חדשות

When the General Assembly meets later in September, we'll know which Abbas shows up - a leader representing his people or an Israeli collaborationist like so often before. Smart money says the latter.

A September Anne Suciu and Attorney Limor Yehuda Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) paper headlined, "Human Rights in the Occupied Territories: Possible Implications of the Recognition of Palestinian Statehood," explaining future possibilities under statehood.

They depend on what course Abbas and the Palestinian Authority (PA) choose, how Israel and Washington respond, and which side Western, regional, and other countries support.

ACRI agrees that full de jure UN membership is unlikely. Nonetheless, "the very recognition of Palestinian statehood" by a decisive General Assembly two-thirds majority "would have significant repercussions."

In fact, if statehood and full UN membership are granted, Palestine would "become party to international conventions and international courts." As a result, it would have new tools to uphold its rights as do all other recognized nations.

Conditions for Statehood Recognition

ACRI cites four 1933 Montevideo Convention criteria:

a permanent population;

a defined territory;

an effective government; and

the ability to have diplomatic relations with other states.

In his important book titled, "Palestine, Palestinians and International Law," Law Professor and former PLO legal advisor Francis Boyle also discussed them, explaining that:

"A determinable territory" doesn't have to be fixed and determinate. Its borders may be negotiated. The new state would be comprised of Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Palestinians have lived there for millennia. As a result, they're entitled to all of it (22% of historic Palestine) as their nation state.

A fixed population as stated above.

A functioning government. In 1988, Yasser Arafat declared the PLO Palestine's Provisional Government.

The capacity to have diplomatic relations with other states. Up to 140 nations recognize Palestine, easily enough to qualify. Others haven't because occupation deprives it of effective territorial "control."

Still others disagree, saying Israel isn't in control. It's an occupier. On December 15, 1988, The General Assembly recognized Palestine's legitimacy, according it UN observer status.

Palestine easily satisfies the above criteria. All UN Charter states (including America and Israel) provisionally recognized Palestinian independence in accordance with UN Charter article 80(1) and League of Nations Covenant article 22(4).

Further, as the League's successor, the General Assembly has exclusive legal authority to designate the PLO as Palestine's legitimate representative.

The Palestine National Council (PNC) is the PLO's legislative body, empowerered to proclaim Palestine's existence. According to the binding 1925 Palestine Citizenship Order in Council, Palestinians, their children and grandchildren are automatically citizens of the new state.

In addition, diaspora Palestinians no longer would be stateless. Their right of return would be guaranteed and enforced.

Those living in Israel and Jordan would have dual nationalities. Others in the Occupied Territories would remain "protected persons," according to the Fourth Geneva Convention - until a final peace settlement is reached.

The Proclamation of Independence must then create the Government of Palestine (GOP). As a final step, it should direct the GOP to claim Palestine's right to UN membership. It requires Security Council and General Assembly approval, according to five conditions. Applicants must be:

a state;

peace loving;

accept the Charter's obligations;

be able to carry them out; and

be willing to do it.

America provisionally recognized Palestine as an independent nation. According to UN Charter Article 80(1), it's barred from reversing its position by vetoing a Security Council Resolution, calling for Palestine's UN admission.

Any veto would be illegal and subject to further Security Council action under the Charter's Chapter VI. Ultimately, the Security Council only recommends admissions. The General Assembly affirms them by a simple two-thirds majority.

If Washington invokes its Security Council veto, the GA can override it under the 1950 Uniting for Peace Resolution 377.

In days, we'll know what actually happens, its implications and early stage repercussions.

ACRI said an entity meeting the above four criteria qualifies as a state, "and does not require the recognition of other states. The difficulty, of course, is that without....recognition....it cannot fully realize its sovereignty. According to the constitutive model, on the other hand, the act of recognition by others states is what bestows statehood."

However, if it's granted exclusive of recognition by Israel, Washington and other Western states, "its ability to realize its sovereignty will be limited."

At least initially it's true, but that can later change, especially with key allies like China, Russia, Brazil, India, and other major ones - plus the weight of supportive numbers.

ACRI also suggests if two-thirds or more member states afford Palestine recognition, with or without Security Council approval, "the General Assembly could invite it to be party to various international conventions."

Normative Framework Applicable to the West Bank and Gaza

"According to the laws of occupation, statehood is irrelevant in determining whether a territory is occupied or not." As a result, Israel's standing in international law as an occupier may not be affected.

However, as Boyle explained, the League of Nations in 1919 provisionally recognized Palestinian statehood in its League Covenant Article 22(4) and its 1922 Mandate for Palestine - awarded to Britain.

After proclaiming its independence in November 1988, the PNC began working for a comprehensive peace settlement. Its Declaration of Independence accepted the General Assembly's 1947 Partition Plan, thus reaching an historic accommodation for a good faith two-state solution.

It also declared:

its commitment to the UN Charter's purpose and principles;

the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), policy, and principles of nonalignment;

its natural right to defend the Palestinian state and to reject "the threat or use of force, violence and intimidation against its territorial integrity and political independence or those of any other state;"

its willingness to accept UN supervision on an interim basis to terminate Israel's occupation;

its call for an International Peace Conference on the Middle East based on UN Resolutions 242 and 338;

its asking for Israel's withdrawal from occupied Palestinian lands, including East Jerusalem;

its willingness to accept a voluntary confederation between Jordan and Palestine; and

its "rejection of terrorism in all forms, including state terrorism..."

As a result, on December 14, 1988, the Reagan administration began dialogue. In June 1990, the Bush administration suspended it, alleging the PLO violated its pledge.

From then until now, US administrations call self-defense "terrorism" even though it's an inherent (individual and state) right under "customary international and humanitarian law, including:"

Article 51 of the UN Charter;

the four 1949 Geneva Conventions; and

the 1907 Hague Regulations on Land Warfare.

The PNC accepts them. Israel doesn't, violating fundamental laws with impunity. Other nations are also culpable. Under Geneva's Common Article 1, all countries are obliged to pressure Israel to comply.

America is especially culpable as Israel's paymaster/partner/supplier of weapons, equipment, supplies, generous handouts, loans, grants, and various other benefits.

Without them, Israel couldn't wage aggressive wars or be strong enough to intimidate neighbors. At least not like now. Today no country threatens Israel (or America) despite claims to the contrary.

In contrast, Washington and Israel pose major threats, including to Occupied Palestine.

Nonetheless, the same day the General Assembly recognized Palestine, it called for a UN-sponsored Middle East Peace conference based on the following principles:

ending Israel's occupation of Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem;

guaranteeing security for all regional states;

resolving the Palestinian refugee problem;

dismantling illegal Israeli settlements;

placing Palestine under interim UN supervision; and

requesting the Security Council consider measures to convene an International Middle East Peace Conference.

The PLO was willing to cooperate and negotiate in good faith. It agreed to be flexible, including over Jerusalem's final status. The 1947 Partition Plan called for an international trusteeship administered separately from Jewish and Arab territories.

Israel and Washington blocked efforts from the start. They obstruct regional peace. Without their cooperation they'll be none. This must end. The world community must no longer tolerate it. The fate of millions of Palestinians and Arab peoples are at stake.

Gaza

Following Israel's summer 2005 disengagement, the IDF regional commander declared Israel's rule over the Territory ended, but it never worked out that way with Israel maintaining control under siege.

As a result, "Israel bears legal responsibility for what takes place" in Gaza, but without international enforcement it's meaningless, as Israel literally gets away with murder with impunity.

Area A

Israel transferred area control to the PA. However, its complete West Bank/East Jerusalem occupation continues, so "control" excludes sovereign authority, rendering it meaningless.

Israel maintains responsibility for "security" - code language for real control, including over Area A.

Israel's Military Court of Appeals ruled the entire West Bank/East Jerusalem areas remain under belligerent military occupation as "a single territorial unit."

Unless that changes, Palestinian statehood won't affect Israel's de facto control as an occupying power unless World Court redress is achieved.

Oslo Accords

ACRI believes independence "contravenes this agreement, and opens the door to a declaration of the non-validity or revocation of the accords." However, absolute revocation needn't happen.

At the same time, Oslo only benefitted Israel, not Palestinians, so revocation would change little, just like Israel's Gaza disengagement afforded no rights, only siege after Hamas was democratically elected.

Changes in the Legal and International/Institutional Framework - Becoming a Party to International Conventions

With statehood comes access to them, as well as the ability to sue Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for repeated crimes of war and against humanity, as well as other issues.

They include:

regular border infringements and incursions into Palestinian neighborhoods;

lawless arrests, prosecutions in military tribunals, imprisonment and torture;

Israel's illegal 44 year occupation;

land theft to expand settlements;

Separation Wall to steal up to 12% of the West Bank when completed;

defined borders for East Jerusalem as Palestine's capital, as well as for the West Bank and Gaza to assure 22% of historic Palestine is retained; and

other illegal acts under recognized international law.

Palestine could also ask the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute Israeli war criminals - specifically high-ranking government officials and military commanders.

Under the Rome Statute's Article 125(3), all signatory states may use this option. So may non-UN member states by ratifying the Statute.

The ICC restricts prosecutions to instances where states don't exercise appropriate jurisdiction, including proper investigations and trials for individuals believed guilty.

A welter of evidence proves numerous present and past Israeli officials culpable for crimes of war and against humanity, as well as other offenses.

Notably, with statehood come obligations to respect human rights and other international conventions - for its own citizens and those of other states.

Besides benefits, in other words, statehood brings the legal and moral imperative to do the right thing. It also means bearing the full legal burden for failure.

Weighing all pluses and minuses, failure to use all legal procedures and avenues for statehood and full de jure UN membership no longer can be tolerated or delayed.

Doing so now, in fact, constitutes betrayal.

Is that challenging Abbas to do the right thing? You bet it is!

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Israeli/Turkish/Palestinian Tensions

Israeli/Turkish/Palestinian Tensions - by Stephen Lendman

Issues affecting Palestinians include:

statehood within 1967 borders (22% of historic Palestine);

East Jerusalem as its capital;

full de jure UN membership;

44 years of illegal occupation;

decades of unresolved Israeli crimes of war and against humanity;

daily land theft and dispossessions;

illegal detentions and torture;

argeted assassinations;

horrific levels of oppression and persecution overall; and

many other longstanding festering grievances.

For Turkey, relations have deteriorated for years. Cast Lead exacerbated them. So did murdering nine Turkish nationals on May 31, 2010, aboard the Mavi Marmara humanitarian aid ship.

On September 12, Today's Zaman (a Turkish English language broadsheet) headlined, "Erdogan: Mavi Marmara raid was 'cause for war,' " saying:

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said:

"The May 31, 2010 (incident), the attack that took place in international waters, did not comply with international law. In fact, it was a cause for war. However, befitting Turkey's grandness (sic), we decided to act with patience."

He added more, saying Turkish warships will now patrol Eastern Mediterranean waters. Their mission will include escorting future Gaza humanitarian aid ships.

After Israel refused to apologize for the killings, Turkey expelled its ambassador, imposed sanctions, and suspended military agreements. It also said it'll enforce free Eastern Mediterranean navigation.

Erdogan emphasized that "Turkish ships, I mean military ships, more often (will patrol) international waters in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially in (Turkey's) exclusive economic zone."

Israeli bullying no longer will be tolerated.

Erdogan also challenged a Cyprus plan to explore offshore Eastern Mediterranean gas fields bordering Israeli waters, saying they belong to Turkish occupied northern Cyprus.

In August, Israel and Cyprus discussed offshore energy exploration cooperation, Netanyahu citing "overlapping interests."

Erdogan responded, saying:

"You know that Israel has begun to declare that it has the right to act in exclusive economic areas of the Mediterranean. You will see that it will not be the owner of this right, because Turkey, as a guarantor of the Turkish republic of north Cyprus, has taken steps in the area, and it will be decisive and hold fast to the right to monitor international waters in the eastern Mediterranean."

By acting lawlessly and refusing to apologize, Israel "condemn(ed) itself to isolation."

While not wanting to jeopardize relations with Washington, Turkey's exerting its influence as a regional power. It has enough military might to back up its words with muscle. It includes 650,000 troops, second largest NATO force after America.

Israel, of course, is a powerhouse in its own right, including nuclear weapons and delivery systems to launch them.

Forced Displacements While Disingenuously Talking Peace

Almost daily, Israel proves its rogue credentials. It's a regional menace threatening peace and security. Then it wonders why affected nations and people react adversely.

Poor Israel! Why is it so misunderstood? Perhaps because Palestinians and regional neighbors long ago acknowledged its lawless disregard for international law, norms and standards.

Israeli/Palestinian peace talks are a case in point. They've been stillborn since inception and remain so, disingenuous rhetoric notwithstanding.

Nonetheless, Israel "resurrects" them strategically to change the subject, as well as pressure Palestinians to accept subjugation, not freedom on their own land in their own country.

Moreover, Washington lurks menacingly in the wings, backing up Israel's muscle with its own, and no shyness about using it.

At issue today is growing Israeli isolation ahead of Mahmoud Abbas petitioning the UN for statehood and UN membership.

He's doing it even though smart money wagers he'll accept less than Palestinians deserve, leaving them back at square one. Bet on it!

On September 13, Haaretz writer Barak Ravid headlined, "Israeli intelligence urges return to peace talks with Palestinians," saying:

"In recent weeks, the Foreign Ministry, Military Intelligence, the Shin Bet security service and the Mossad" distributed documents, saying negotiations will "tone down tensions and anger against Israel."

In recent cabinet meetings, discussions focused around restarting what never before worked because Israel won't tolerate peace - just its appearance, an illusion to continue illegal military occupation.

Nonetheless, Defense Minister Ehud Barak told ministers:

"By sharpening tensions with the Palestinians, we are inviting (greater) isolation on Israel."

Meanwhile, Spain, France, and Catherine Ashton (EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) are trying to negotiate a "package deal" to have all 27 EU member states support "upgrading the PA to the status of a non-permanent member of the UN."

In other words, they back the status quo despite Palestinians deserving better. At the same time, they want Washington to abstain on UN membership and continue financial aid in return for Abbas promising not to sue Israel in the International Criminal Court (ICC).

They may, in fact, get what's totally unacceptable by hook, crook, or even threatening NATO intervention if Palestinians dare demand their rights.

Ravid reported that Abbas, knowing he faces a US Security Council veto (even though illegal and without teeth, as previous articles explained), "decided to turn to the UN General Assembly....in order to seek the support of (EU) member states in the vote."

Specific negotiated issues include:

Palestinians settling for permanent observer status, not full membership;

all or most EU nations supporting it without agreeing to recognize Palestine on a bilateral level;

Palestinians resuming no peace/peace negotiations, without preconditions, with no chance for an equitable resolution because Israel won't permit it;

Palestine's General Assembly petition "will be balanced and will combine elements of" Obama's May 19, 2011 speech, "and the conclusion of the EU's Foreign Affairs Council of December 2009."

In other words, while petitioning for recognition within 1967 borders, it appears Abbas will agree to unacceptable land swaps.

By so doing, he'll accept both status quo recognition surrender along with Palestinian statehood on worthless cantonized scrub land. A bantustan state.

Again he'll reveal his collaborationist credentials, selling out his people for whatever ways he benefits.

He's done it before so often, so it shouldn't surprise now. But it should be strongly condemned and rejected.

At minimum, Palestinians deserve all land within 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as their capital - nothing less now or ever.

Settlers could then choose either to become citizens of Palestine, or retain their current status in a foreign country under its laws, not Israel's.

Doing what's right, however, was never Abbas' long suit. In days, it appears he'll again prove what Palestinians and their supporters already should know.

Israel will wiggle out of another tough spot. Palestinians will end up with nothing. They'll still be occupied. Their land will keep being stolen. Their rights will be entirely denied.

Justice again won't be delayed. It'll be disgracefully denied with Palestinian Authority compliance, at least from Abbas, Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, and other PA Israeli collaborators, selling out their people for their own self-interest. On its own, Israel does it belligerently.

Displacing Bedouin Arab Israeli Citizens

On September 12, Ma'an News said Israel's cabinet voted to displace tens of thousands of Negev Bedouin Arab Israeli citizens, offering them inadequate financial help to relocate.

"Around 160,000 Bedouins live in Israel." Over half live in so-called unrecognized villages without municipal water, electricity, and other essential services because Israel refuses to provide them.

Many are also deeply impoverished, struggling daily to get by. Israel now agreed to make their lot tougher by stealing their land and property, in return for forced displacement.

Amnesty International (AI) condemned the plan, saying it "includes the forceful evacuation of thousands of Bedouins from their homes," calling it "a significant blow to (their) right to adequate accommodation."

It's that and much more. It's destroying a way of life, as well as spurning the rights of its own citizens lawlessly.

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) expressed righteous indignation. So did Bimkom-Planners for Planning Rights in a joint statement, denouncing "continued discrimination of the Bedouin community."

Tens of thousands of Israeli citizens will be lawlessly uprooted from their homes - "against their will and in clear violation of their historical and proprietary rights to the land."

The so-called Prawer Plan facilitates state-sponsored discrimination, "disregard(ing) one of the most disenfranchised communities in Israel, during a period in which (an internal) mass protest movement" demands social justice for ALL Israelis.

Affected are 35 Negev Bedouin villages. They had no say in government policy. Since 1948, they've "suffer(ed) from severe neglect and lack of infrastructure...."

The Prawer Plan contradicts Goldberg Commission findings, calling Bedouin treatment unjust and ineffective. It also ecommended injustices be corrected by recognizing their communities as they exist.

"ACRI and Bimkom insist that only a master plan based on respect for human rights of the Bedouin population, and that includes them in the decision-making process with bring about a lasting and holistic solution in the Negev that will contribute to the betterment of all who live there, both Arabs and Jews."

Israel wants none of it. It refuses to end 44 years of illegal occupation. Again, it's about to deny Palestinian statehood and full UN membership, and its Gaza siege keeps suffocating over 1.6 million Palestinians who deserve freedom, not de facto imprisonment.

Israel's Gaza Closure Policy

On September 12, the Gisha Legal Center for Freedom of Movement published Freedom of Information Act obtained documents, disclosing Israel's Gaza siege policy in its own words. Included were previously unknown details.

"Despite (introduced) measures to 'ease' the closure, introduced in July 2010....there has been no change" in policy regarding free movement between Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank.

Exceptions include a handful of merchants with Israeli-issued permits. However, even they so far can't exercise the right Israel granted them.

Moreover:

movement restrictions affect categories of people, not individuals based on security concerns;

Gaza soccer players may access the West Bank, not students to attend universities or most Gazans needing medical care unavailable at home;

Gaza residents can't relocate to West Bank areas for family reunification or other reasons;

Gaza students awarded Fulbright scholarships can't leave to accept them;

Israel continues to prohibit construction materials and anything called "dual use" from entering Gaza; "dual use" is anything Israel says it is;

With few exceptions, exports are prohibited; and

Overall, isolation under siege is rigorously enforced; violators caught are arrested or shot.

A Final Comment

Israel wants it both ways. It demands Palestinians agree to their own occupation, subjugation, persecution, and continued status quo affording them no rights. At the same time, it talks peace.

The hypocrisy requires no comment, except to say they have a willing collaborator in Abbas. He's again about to back-stab his people like at Oslo as chief Palestinian negotiator, and numerous times thereafter, acting as Israel's enforcer.

In days, when he petitions the UN, he'll again prove his illegitimacy. His term of office also expired in January 2009, over two and half years ago.

Yet he remains in office, backed by Israel and Washington for obvious reasons while Palestine's legitimate government is persecuted, terrorized and isolated in Gaza.

As long as repressive conditions continue, Palestinians won't ever be free, even if granted statehood and full UN membership.

They'd still be no match for Israel's military might and no shyness about using it. Not to mention the world community turning a blind eye to its worst crimes.

Issue one thus demands changing that to give Palestinians rights they've long been denied.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Anti-Israeli Rage in Egypt

Anti-Israeli Rage in Egypt - by Stephen Lendman

On August 18, Israel aggressively entered Sinai, killing five Egyptian security force members and injuring seven others.

At issue was allegedly looking for unnamed attackers held responsible for eight same day Israeli deaths.

Filing an official protest, Egypt demanded an "urgent investigation," explaining reasons and circumstances surrounding the incident. Withdrawing its ambassador from Tel Aviv also was threatened.

Refusing to apologize, Israel claimed militants responsible for killing Israelis came from Gaza through Sinai. No corroborating evidence was cited because there is none.

Israel lied about what has all the earmarks of another false flag to divert public attention from more pressing issues, including unmet social justice demands!

Egypt began its own inquiry.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak blamed the victim, saying the incident "reflects the weakening of Egypt's hold in the Sinai and the broadening of activities by terror elements."

Egyptian officials responded angrily. Sinai governor Khaled Fouda rejected Barak's comments, saying:

"We refute such statements and have increased security patrolling and checkpoints in Sinai."

The incident also sparked public anger, noticeably in Cairo where protests rallied outside Israel's embassy and continue. They denounced the attack, demanding authorities expel Israel's ambassador, and end its 1979 peace treaty, following the 1978 Camp David Accords.

To diffuse tensions, Egypt walled off Israel's embassy in recent days. It didn't help. Protesters sprayed the two and a half meter high barrier with comments like:

"The people want the fall of the wall."

Protests grew louder and angrier. On September 4, an unidentified man told Egyptian radio:

"Why would we protect a state that is killing our people? This is wrong, unfair and irritating."

Visceral street anger expressed the same sentiment. On September 9, it erupted. New York Times writers David Kirkpatrick and Heba Afify headlined, "Protest of Thousands in Cairo Turns Violent," saying:

Demonstrators Friday in Tahrir Square turned violent when "thousands....tore down a protective wall around the Israeli Embassy, while others defaced the headquarters of the Egyptian Interior Ministry," expressing anger over lack of social justice progress and military junta repression.

Egypt's state news agency said hundreds were injured and numerous arrests made. In fact, since Mubarak's February ouster, thousands have been terrorized, tried in military tribunals, and imprisoned.

On Friday, protesters "scaled the walls of the Israeli Embassy," removing Israel's flag for the second time in less than a month. The earlier incident replaced it with an Egyptian one.

Using wooden poles and hammers, they tore down the restraining wall while chanting, singing and carrying Egyptian flags. They also broke into offices, tossed documents out windows, and allegedly attacked an employee inside.

Egyptian soldiers and security police finally stopped them, but by 3:00AM Saturday, thousands still battled security forces in streets. "Demonstrators threw rocks and gasoline bombs at the officers, sometimes forcing them to retreat, and the police fired back with tear gas."

In response, Israeli ambassador Yitzhak Levanon, his family, and most embassy staff were flown out of the country for their safety.

Haaretz said an Israeli Air Force plane evacuated over 80 diplomats and their families.

Later reports said three protesters were killed.

Press TV reported that Egypt's Information Minister Osama Heikal said Cairo will enforce "all articles of the emergency law to ensure safety."

Egyptian political analyst Nabil Abdel Fattah said:

"This action shows the state of anger and frustration the young Egyptian revolutionaries feel against Israel, especially after the recent Israeli attacks on the Egyptian borders that led to the killing of Egyptian soldiers."

Haaretz said an unnamed senior Israeli official denounced the overnight attack, calling it a "grave violation" of diplomatic norms and a "blow to peaceful relations" between both countries.

Netanyahu said Israel won't compromise its peace treaty with Egypt, adding that regional turmoil shows he's right to insist on security assurances in any future peace deal.

He also bogusly linked events in Cairo to stalled Middle East peace negotiations, pointing fingers away from who deserves blame. Instead, he insisted Israel must "defend its interests in the region."

Left unsaid always is its belligerent way of doing it, making enemies, not allies, especially on Arab streets.

On September 10, New York Times writer Ethan Bronner headlined, "Beyond Cairo, Israel Sensing a Wider Siege," saying:

"With its Cairo embassy ransacked, its ambassador to Turkey expelled and the Palestinians seeking statehood recognition at the United Nation, Israel found itself on Saturday increasingly isolated and grappling with a radically transformed Middle East where it believes its options are limited and poor."

Context was entirely missing from his article, including:

-- longstanding below-the-surface Arab street anger over years of Israeli crimes of war and against humanity, as well as 44 years of illegal military occupation;

-- Israel's premeditated May 31, 2010 murder of nine unarmed Turkish nationals aboard the Mavi Marmara humanitarian ship, bringing vital aid to besieged Gaza;

-- Israel's refusal ever to apologize for its most grievous crimes; and

-- its collusion with Washington to block long overdue Palestinian statehood within 1967 borders (22% of historic Palestine), East Jerusalem as its capital, and full de jure UN membership.

Israel, in fact, is lucky Arab anger didn't erupt sooner. So far, it's on a low boil in Egypt, but it's only a matter of time before it engulfs the entire region and beyond.

When it does, its Washington paymaster/partner will also be affected, and well it should for much greater cause than just supporting Israel.

Keep that in mind on 9/11's tenth anniversary. Honor the millions of Afghans, Iraqis, Libyans, Pakistanis, Somalis, Yemenis, Bahrainis, Palestinians, and other global victims of US lawlessness, in partnership with NATO allies and Israel.

Think of them in the aftermath of the duplicitous 9/11 weekend commemorations, especially on what passes for US television.

Understand 9/11 truth, and condemn the criminal class in Washington, complicit Western capitals, and Israel for partnering in a global state terror war for the spoils of imperial triumphs.

Then get mad enough to do something about it!

Anti-Military Protests Across Egypt

Besides anti-Israeli anger, rage against Egypt's military junta erupted again in cities across Egypt, including a new wave of strikes for better pay and working conditions among other grievances.

Despite Egyptian security forces occupying Tahrir's central island since August 1, thousands massed in the square. Another demonstration started on Cairo University's Giza campus.

Protesters also rallied in Cairo's Shubra neighborhood, carrying banners saying:

"A minimum wage for those who live in cemeteries," and "A maximum wage for those who live in palaces."

Farmers joined in as well, marching past Dokki's agriculture ministry on the Nile's Western bank, directly across from downtown Cairo in Giza.

In addition, protesters denounced repressive mass arrests and military trials, calling for "purging the judiciary of all of Mubarak's supporters."

Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, head of Egypt's ruling junta, was also condemned, including by protesters chanting "A word in your ear, marshal. The revolution in Tahrir," and "Tantawi is Mubarack."

Alexandria demonstrators demanded all members Egypt's military junta be put on trial, saying "Everything is the same even after the revolution."

Earlier strikes paralyzed the country. Since Ramadan ended in late August, they erupted again. Workers demand social justice, including better pay and benefits, ending corruption, and Mubarak-era officials purged from top posts in factories and institutions.

Egypt's state-owned Al-Ahram said striking postal workers reflect "wider disillusionment of many public sector employees with the lack of progress" under the ruling junta.

Other strikes and industrial actions targeted the High Dam Electrical and Industrial Company, as well as auto, chemical, textile, and other workers demanding their rights.

In addition, law students protested against judicial system nepotism in front of Egypt's Supreme Court, and Beheira Governate residents blocked a highway in Edku, protesting Egypt's collaborating with Big Oil giant BP.

Beginning September 10, an open-ended textile workers strike was planned in Mahalla, home of Egypt's largest textile factory. Besides their own grievances, they also want working conditions for all Egyptians improved.

At the 11th hour, negotiations with labor minister Ahmed Borai stopped it. An agreement was reached to accept monthly meal and other incentive increases. Discussions about other grievances were also delayed, pending a meeting of the Holding Company for Cotton, Spinning and Textiles.

At the same time, Prime Minister Essam Sharaf and his cabinet discussed the "deteriorating security situation," issuing directives relating to new Satellite television state licenses, legal procedures reviewing those issued to stations with programming accused of inciting violence and protests.

In other words, airing views of street protestors and strikers, as well as others calling for democratic reforms won't be tolerated.

Other directives related to halting and criminalizing politically and economically disrupting strikes, saying Sharaf won't "negotiate with strikers over any demands until workers halt their workplace actions."

Nonetheless, as evidenced by continuing street protests, Egyptians know ousting Mubarak changed nothing.

A previous article discussed an Arab spring yet to bloom, saying throughout the region, people want jobs, decent pay, better services, ending corruption and repression, as well as liberating democratic change in a part of the world where poverty, unemployment and despotism reflect daily life for tens of millions repressively.

Access it through the following link:

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/04/arab-spring-yet-to-bloom.html

Another headlined, "Hold the Celebration: Egypt's Struggle Just Began," saying everything changed but stayed the same, calling it a common bait and switch scheme.

In this instance, a military junta replaced Mubarak, assuring no possibility of democracy and social justice without sustained heroic pressure forcing it.

Indeed, Egypt's liberating struggle just began, as it has across the region in Bahrain, Jordan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Qatar, other Gulf States, and elsewhere in the region - notably in Occupied Palestine, seeking statehood and full de jure UN membership later this month.

Its 11th hour draws near.

Virtually everywhere, moreover, the struggle for liberation never ends.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Riots in England/Uprising of the unheard

Palestinian Statehood: Now's the Time

Palestinian Statehood: Now's the Time - by Stephen Lendman

Palestinians worldwide want it. So do supporters and up to 140 countries. They comprise more than enough to ensure it and full de jure UN membership.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) can petition the General Assembly directly. It has sole admittance power, not the Security Council only able to recommend.

UN Charter Article 80(1) and others empower the General Assembly to recognize Palestinian statehood and take all necessary measures to end Israel's illegal occupation.

If Washington invokes its Security Council veto, the GA can override it under the 1950 Uniting for Peace Resolution 377.

The choice is in Mahmoud Abbas' hands. Later this month, he can either support his own people or don his collaborationist hat. His recent comments and body language suggest the latter, whatever his next moves.

Hopefully enough pressure will push him in the right direction to back long denied recognition and justice for millions deserving more than they're now getting.

On September 8, Mohamed Elshinnawi headlined his Voice of America article, "Palestinians and UN - Statehood or Stalemate?" saying:

Palestinians seek General Assembly recognition, "but the final vote could fall short of the two-thirds majority required for final passage."

False! As explained above, up to 140 countries express support, including China, Russia, Brazil, India, Japan, and most others, well more than enough needed for a simple two-thirds majority of voting members. Abstentions and no-shows don't count.

Abbas is expected to address the General Assembly on September 23 when he'll submit his request. Law Professor Francis Boyle explains practical membership benefits, saying:

“With admitting the Palestinian state as a full member in the UN, it will be able to file formal state-to-state complaints against Israeli officials...." If it "ratif(ies) the Genocide Convention, (it can) sue Israel at the International Court” for redress.

Theoretically it may be able to halt settlement construction entirely, and automatically make all diaspora Palestinians citizens of a new state they're free to return to as international law mandates, including Resolution 194's Article 11, stating:

"Resolves that the refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date, and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property which, under principles of international law or in equity, should be made good by the Governments or authorities responsible."

He said Palestine's upgraded status would provide a strong incentive for Israel to negotiate in good faith and reach the much promoted two-state solution to end the conflict.

He also argued that statehood would incentivize Israel to negotiate in good faith, to end years of conflict and agree to an equitable two state solution within 1967 borders as Palestinians demand - 22% of sovereign Palestine.

Former Israeli UN ambassador Gabriela Shalev said Israel should understand invoking Resolution 377 is possible. In 1956, when France and Britain vetoed a Security Council resolution, condemning their attack on Egypt, General Assembly members used the measure to override.

Passed in 1950 during the Korean War, it came when Washington wanted power to circumvent Soviet Russia's Security Council veto power.

It lets the General Assembly recommend various "collective measures," including sanctions and use of force if permanent Security Council members can't reach unanimity, and “there appears to be a threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression.”

Former US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Schifter said General Assembly members involved Resolution 377 in 1981 to advance Namibian independence. It called on member states:

"to render increased and sustained support and material, financial, military and other assistance to the South West Africa People’s Organization to enable it to intensify its struggle for the liberation of Namibia.”

It also urged members to cease “all dealings with South Africa in order totally to isolate it politically, economically, militarily and culturally.”

Why not do the same for Palestine if America invokes its veto. The power is there to be used for long overdue rights too important to kick down the road and delay, even if risk US and Israeli hostility.

Many other allies are supportive, so the power of numbers may compensate, especially for the world's newest state, millions don't want to end up stillborn.

On September 9, Ma'an News said Palestinians "on Thursday began a campaign in support of their UN membership bid, as their senior leaders met to fine-tune the plan to become the UN's 194th member state."

Abbas met with senior Palestinian representatives including Fatah central committee members, the PLO's executive committee, and leaders of various Palestinian political parties.

At issue is finalizing details of the likely bid to be submitted to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon later this month.

In Ramallah, a solidarity march to UN headquarters was held to present a letter, requesting his support. Campaign coordinator Ahmed Assaf said:

"Today we began our campaign on the ground and we chose the UN building because it represents the United Nations and we expect them to respond to our demands."

"We are no less important than the other 193 states in the United Nations, and our message will ask for our state to be 194."

He added that campaigning for statehood will continue until "Palestine is finally admitted as member state number 194."

Latifa Abu Hamid, mother of seven sons who spent time in Israeli prisons (Israeli forces killed her eighth one), said:

"I'm delivering this message to the UN to say we have a right to our own state just like everyone else in the world and we have a right to see the end of the occupation."

The letter called on Ban to "stand by justice and do right by our people."

"The admission of the state of Palestine to the UN is an important step towards ending the occupation and achieving Palestinian independence and realizing a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East."

"We hope that you will join the international consensus and support the Palestinian bid for its long overdue recognition."

About 100 marchers chanted, "We want our identity. We want a state." We want as many supportive states globally as possible.

On September 9, Ban Ki-moon said it. Does he mean it, affirming support for Palestinian statehood, but added that member states must decide.

Washington will invoke its veto. According to State Department spokesman Victoria Noland:

“It is not a surprise that the US will veto the Palestinian statehood bid at the UN in the city of New York. A Palestinian state can only be established through direct peace talks with Israel. So, yes! We are going to use the veto against the Palestinian bid.”

On September 8, New York Times writer Isabel Kershner headlined, "Palestinian Leader Says US Is 'Too Late' on UN Bid," saying:

Abbas said America's last-ditch efforts "to prevent the Palestinians from applying for membership in the United Nations this month were 'too late.' "

As of now, they'll petition the Security Council first. If America invokes its veto, General Assembly affirmation will be sought.

However, if the quartet arranges a settlement construction freeze and agreement on using pre-1967 borders based on land swaps, Palestinians "will go to the United Nations and we will return back to talks."

Israel offered them with no preconditions, meaning they're stillborn before getting started and worthless.

It's time to move forward for full recognition, whether or not Washington and Israel approve.

The power of numbers solidly backs what's long been denied. This time perhaps it's enough for full recognition by invoking Resolution 377 if necessary.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Allegedly Foiling Jerusalem Terrorist Attacks

Allegedly Foiling Jerusalem Terrorist Attacks - by Stephen Lendman

Here we go again. We've seen it all before strategically timed, especially in America. A previous article explained, accessed through the following link:

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/05/false-flags-american-tradition.html

It said:

With or without bin Laden, bogymen threats are plentiful. Since WW II alone, America's had numerous ones, including communists, Al Qaeda, Saddam, WMDs, the Taliban, Gaddafi, and a host others yet unnamed, as well as numerous "foiled" domestic ones.

Among others, they include:

-- a fake shoe bomber;

-- fake underwear bomber;

-- fake Times Square bomber;

-- an earlier one there;

-- fake shampoo bombers;

-- fake Al Qaeda woman planning fake mass casualty attacks on New York landmarks;

-- fake Oregon bomber;

-- fake armed forces recruiting station bomber;

-- fake synagogue bombers;

-- fake Chicago Sears Tower bombers;

-- fake FBI and other building bombers;

-- fake National Guard, Fort Dix and Quantico marine base attackers;

-- fake 9/11 bombers; and

-- others to enlist public support for the fake war on terror and very real ones it spawned.

Israel, of course, uses the same tactics. In this instance, it's strategically timed ahead of the upcoming General Assembly vote for Palestinian statehood and full de jure membership.

Israel's also wants Syria blamed for giving safe haven to Hamas leaders to intensify pressure on Assad's government during ongoing internal strife.

On September 7, US Middle East envoy David Hale and special State Department advisor Dennis Ross (a notorious pro-Israeli hardliner) met with Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah to pressure him to drop his UN bid.

On September 6, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton phoned him to give it up, saying "continue (instead) to work hard with us to avoid a negative scenario in New York at the end of the month."

In other words, save Washington the embarrassment of a Security Council veto. In fact, it's without teeth as only the General Assembly admits new members. The Security Council can only recommend.

Nonetheless, in recent days, Abbas statements indicate he's waffling, suggesting he'll again prove collaborationist by seeking less than statehood and full de jure membership.

Saying a final course of action has yet to be decided suggests a strong undertone of surrender. Hopefully it's not so, but don't bet on it at the moment of truth.

The Latest Israeli False Flag?

On September 7, Haaretz writer Anshel Pfeffer headlined, "Israel security forces foil multiple terrorist attacks in Jerusalem, arrest dozens of Hamas militants," saying:

Sin Bet security forces "foiled a suicide terrorist attack last month in Jerusalem, it emerged Wednesday."

If so, why wait until now to announce it?

Allegedly "an explosive belt was seized only 24 hours before the planned attack, after it was smuggled into Jerusalem," according to Israeli officials.

They claimed foiling the attack "was part of a large-scale operation by Shin Bet, the IDF and the police against the Hamas military infrastructure in the West Bank and Jerusalem."

Israel said they operated from 13 separate cells, the main one in Hebron. The full Shin Bet report can be accessed through the following link:

http://www.shabak.gov.il/SiteCollectionImages/english/TerrorInfo/reports/shotef070911-en.pdf

Read it with caution. It's a thinly veiled propaganda piece, not legitimate information about terror cells planning attacks on West Bank and Jerusalem locations.

It claims the main Hebron cell and Hamas headquarters in Syria set August 21 for the attack. Allegedly it involved a fire extinguisher, containing six kilograms of explosives, supposedly to be carried by a suicide bomber on a bus for use in the Jerusalem Pisgat Ze'ev neighborhood.

Shin Bet said the device was discovered in Azhak Arrafa's East Jerusalem's Ras al-Amud neighborhood home, a man called a Hamas operative. The alleged suicide bomber was identified as Hebron-based Said Qawasmeh.

Israel blamed the same cell for a March 23 attack at Jerusalem's central bus station, killing a British tourist and wounding 47 others. No evidence proves it.

Shin Bet said Hamas wanted to restore its West Bank infrastructure to launch terrorist attacks. Notably, alleged reasons behind the "scheme" and verifiable proof weren't given, except to say kidnapping an Israeli soldier was planned to negotiate Palestinian prisoner releases.

Shin Bet's account wreaks of illegitimacy, including why an elaborate terror plot would be needed to capture an Israeli soldier when doing so, if intended, could be done by other means.

Notably at issue is why Hamas would risk it when success or failure carries such a big price, entirely benefitting Israel.

Yet, according to Shin Bet, discovering Hamas terror cells proved its Damascus leadership plans rehabilitating its West Bank infrastructure to attack Israel.

Take it with a grain of salt, but expect Israel to exploit what appears to be bogus accusations fully.

They include claiming a terror cell operated out of Ketziot prison, without explaining how, and accusing Hebron resident Ahmad Madhoun of getting $10,000 in Saudi Arabia to buy weapons for the operation.

Unsubstantiated accusations were made. No information was given on how he got there and back undetected or who allegedly funded him.

Israel also said militants received orders and money from a Syrian official through Jordanian national Iman al-Adm. Israel arrested him. Expect him to be tortured to confess, whether or not he did anything.

In fact, Ynet News said interrogations learned he'd "undergone extensive military training in Syria and was involved in Hamas operations worldwide, including in Syria, Turkey and China."

Under torture, of course, suspects say anything to stop it. Israel writes confessions it wants signed, usually in Hebrew detainees don't understand or well enough.

Information obtained by torture lacks legitimacy, yet it's used by Israel, America and other nations to convict. Guilt or innocence doesn't matter.

Ynet added that Israeli intelligence sources said the Hamas "West Bank infrastructure was partially funded by Gaza-based Hamas elements."

In June, Israeli security forces arrested alleged Hamas operative Shaher Skaphi in Hebron. Under torture, he admitted being being part of a terror cell instructed to kidnap an Israeli soldier to be used in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Shin Bet also claimed Hamas tries to launder money in China. In addition, its members living in Saudi Arabia, Syria and Turkey try funneling funds to West Bank operatives.

Shin Bet's account reads more like a B movie scrip than an elaborate terror plot when, in fact, only the victim would benefit.

Again, Israel saying it doesn't make it so. All governments lie. Believe nothing they say - ever.

Hamas Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman, Abu Ubayda, emphatically denied Israel's accusations, calling them politically motivated, "express(ing) a hostile point of view."

He added it may involve increasing Israel's bargaining power in negotiations for a Gilad Shalit prisoner swap, the captured Israeli soldier.

Nonetheless, Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff headlined their September 8 article, "IDF raids prove Hamas growing more active in West Bank," saying:

Arrests of dozens of "Hamas militants from the West Bank....points to a significant uptick in the activity of (its) military wing...."

"In the past five years, these militants had lowered their profile, carrying out few terror attacks. Most of the organization's leaders....had been killed or jailed by Israel, while others were pursued by (collaborationist) Palestinian security forces."

In fact, both writers made inflammatory unsubstantiated accusations, acting more government spokesmen than journalists, who'd demand proof before publishing Shin Bet's version of events.

Even they, however, admitted only one alleged Hamas attack was carried out in recent years. Notably, no evidence links it to them. Claiming it doesn't make it so.

Both writers should say so, but they didn't. It represents a serious lapse of journalistic ethics, especially about something as important as terror attacks claiming lives.

Nonetheless, they added the following:

-- a Hamas terror infrastructure "was maintained in part by activists who did time in Israeli prisons;"

-- there they learned about terror operations;

-- Hamas terror reflects operational as well as policy considerations;

-- while Hamas leaders want no confrontation with Israel in Gaza, they "apparently (have) no objection in principle to suicide attacks and abductions" in the West Bank and Jerusalem; and

-- "Shin Bet officials believe the attacks were approved by" Damascus-based Hamas leaders though no evidence proves it.

A Final Comment

Israel is pulling out all the stops to deny legitimate Palestinian rights. The August 18 bus and other attacks, killing and wounding Israelis, appeared very likely to be another strategically timed Israeli false flag.

An earlier article explained why, saying Israel benefits if it they help derail Palestinian statehood and full UN membership, as well as diffuse and end social justice protests by changing the subject.

So far, achieving the former one only appears likely but not certain. Last weekend, up to half a million Israelis rallied across the country for rights they seem committed to keep working for until gotten.

At the same time, both Israelis and Palestinians have miles to go to achieve what they've been long denied. Perhaps if they joined forces their chances would improve.

The power of coming together for social and political justice might be just what's needed, but never accomplished easily or quickly.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Systematic Israeli State Terror

Systematic Israeli State Terror - by Stephen Lendman

Despite his own cross to bear, Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan got it right calling Israel responsible for "state terror."

In fact, it's official policy, ongoing for decades against non-Jews, especially Palestinians without letup.

According to the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), from August 18 - 24 alone, Israel launched 41 air strikes against Gaza, killing 17 Palestinians, including two children and a doctor, wounding 20 others, and destroying or damaging a number of facilities attacked.

During the same period, Israeli forces conducted at least 27 military incursions into Palestinian West Bank communities, arresting 77 civilians.

On September 5, Press TV said Israeli settlers torched a mosque in Qusra village near Nablus "when they threw burning tires inside it."

As a result, fire damaged the walls and ceiling. They also broke windows, threw rocks at Palestinian vehicles, wrote insulting graffiti about the Prophet Mohammed and Israeli social justice protestors, and drew the Star of David on the wall of Ayman Tayseer Omran's house, located near the mosque.

Condemning the incident, PCHR this and others "are carried out in the context of incitement practiced by the Israeli government against the Palestinian people, which encourages settlers to continue their attacks."

It's not the first time mosques have been attacked and for sure not the last, nor many other ways extremist settlers vandalize Palestinian property with impunity, and commit acts of violence, including murder.

None of this gets reported by Western media, especially America's, or when done, one-sided bias for Israel is expressed, and/or reports are sanitized, omitting key facts.

For example, New York Times writer Fares Akram headlined his September 6 article, "Gaza: Israelis Kill Militant," saying:

An Israeli attack helicopter killed Khaled Sahmoud "after (its) forces carried out an incursion into Gaza....and clashed with members of a small militant group, shooting at them and receiving mortar fire back, according to the Israeli military and officials of....the Popular Resistance Committees."

Israel accused him and other militants of "carr(ying) out the terrorist attack from the Sinai region of Egypt on southern Israel last month that killed eight Israelis."

Akram's article was little more than a propaganda piece, a virtual IDF press handout, presenting its version of events as fact.

A previous article contradicted the official account, accessed through the following link:

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/08/another-israeli-false-flag.html

It cited compelling reasons to hold Israel responsible for killing its own citizens to incite fear, ahead of the September General Assembly vote on Palestinian statehood and full UN membership, as well as because of weeks of social justice protests Netanyahu very much wants diffused and ended. What better way than to change the subject.

Like America, Israel doesn't hesitate killing Jews as well as enemies when its purpose is served. That's one definition of terrorism. Webster's Collegiate Dictionary calls it "an intense, overpowering fear....the use of terrorizing methods of governing or resisting a government."

The US Code defines it as involving:

(A) "violent acts or acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State, or that would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States or of any State;"

(B) are intended to -

(i) "intimidate or coerce a civilian population;

(ii) influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or

(iii) affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and

The US Army Operational Concept for Terrorism (TRADOC Pamphlet No. 525-37, 1984) shortens the above definition to be "the calculated use of violence or threat of violence to attain goals that are political, religious, or ideological in nature....through intimidation, coercion, or instilling fear."

It's state terrorism when committed by nations against anyone - other states, groups or individuals, including state-sponsored assassinations.

It's also illegal violence to influence behavior, inflict punishment, take revenge, or accomplish other illegal aims. Israel commits it regularly - terrorism, in one form or other, against Palestinian civilians.

Last April, a masked gunman killed General Director of Jenin's (2006-founded) Freedom Theater, Juliano Mer-Khamis, inside his car after leaving the building. A woman with him was wounded. Whether or not Israel was responsible isn't known.

Haaretz writer Avi Issacharoff quoted former resistance leader/now co-theater manager Zakarya Zubeidi calling it a "well-planned assassination. There is one organization or body, central, big, behind this act. This was not a simple operation. There is a big hand" behind it.

Two previous times, the theater was torched because of the type drama it produces.

In remembering a man he admired, Gideon Levy called his documentary "Arna's Children" the best film about the occupation he ever saw. Nothing "approaches its emotional impact or captures the way in which the trasher of the occupation methodically destroys the lives of everyone in its path - and (yet) those in its way resist it no matter what."

Levy called it a work of genius, as well as representing the inspirational courage of Mer-Khamis' mother and the humanity of Jenin's children.

Whether or not Israel killed him or ordered his death, it certainly had motive to silence a powerful voice against occupation and injustice.

Despite his death, the theater remains threatened. In late July, Israeli forces targeted it. A press release recounted what happened, saying:

The sound of "heavy blocks of stone" hurled at the building's entrance woke night guard/technician student Ahmad Nasser Matahen. "As he opened the door, he found masked and heavily armed Israeli Special Forces around the theater."

He thought they'd kill him. Location manager Adnan Naghnaghiye "was arrested and taken away to an unknown location together with Bilal Saadi," a theater board member.

When its general manager, Jacob Gough, and co-founder, Jonatan Stanczak "arrived on the scene, they were forced to squat next to a family of four small children surrounded by about 50 heavily armed Israeli soldiers."

When Stanzak and others tried explaining they were attacking a cultural venue and arresting its members, they were told to shut up and were threatened. When they later tried contacting Israel's civil administration, the person answering hung up. No explanation of why this happened was gotten.

On August 25, Israeli forces again surrounded the theater around 2:00AM, beat the security guard, ransacked his home, then abducted him and two others.

Stanczak called Israel's behavior "systematical harassment (and) scandalous. This proves that the Israeli army and security apparatus is either lost in their investigation or that they have the actual intention of damaging the theater. It also seems that after the murder of (Mer Khamis, the theater) is no longer exempted from the kind of oppression (Palestinians are) subjected to in general."

Twice earlier, the theater was torched. On April 16, 2009, a press release headlined, "The Freedom Theatre Under Attack!" saying:

"In the morning of April 15, 2009, an unknown individual set fire to The Freedom Theatre in Jenin Refugee Camp, Occupied Palestine. The main door of the theatre was completely burned, but the fire did not spread inside the building and the theatre remains largely unharmed."

"This was the second (arson) attempt....On the night when Al Kamandjati Music Centre in Jenin was devastatingly set on fire three weeks ago, there was also a failed attempt to destroy The Freedom Theatre."

In addition, for weeks, Israeli security forces have systematically harassed and raided The Freedom Theater on the pretext of investigating Mer-Khamis' assassination.

General manager Gough called it "tactics to damage us," adding:

"An investigation into murder should be done in certain ways, not kidnapping people, torturing them and trying to make them confess."

It suggests something more sinister is involved. Perhaps Israel wants Palestinians blamed for its own crime. It wouldn't be the first time.

Access the theater's web site through the following link:

http://www.thefreedomtheatre.org/

Calling itself "the only professional venue for theatre and multimedia in the north of the West Bank, (it) offers children, youth and young adults in the Jenin area a safe space (to) express themselves, to explore their creativity and emotions through culture and arts."

"It provides them with opportunities to develop the skills, self-knowledge and confidence which can empower them to challenge present realities and to speak out in their own society and beyond."

For these and other reasons, Israel wants documentaries like "Arna's Children" and other productions silenced. It wants militarized occupation continued, land theft through settlement expansions unchallenged, voices for liberation suppressed, and others resisting occupation imprisoned or killed.

It wants no opposition to its worst crimes, including terrorizing and virtually imprisoning an entire population for the crime of not being Jews. It wants the myth of its victimhood believed, to be able to commit crimes of war and against humanity with impunity. It wants the right to do any damn thing it pleases and get away with it, within or outside the law.

It wants the power of creative expression eliminated to remove a motivating voice for popular resistance. As a result, The Freedom Theatre threatens what no longer is tolerable to allow - preventing freedom for all Palestinians on their own land in their own unoccupied sovereign country.

It's an idea whose time has come. It's a threat Israel will use any means to stop. It's the obligation of everyone to stand for what's right over wrong. It's time 44 years of occupation ended so Palestinians again can be free.

It's what everyone everywhere deserves in peace under governments representing all their people, not just the privileged few. It's an idea worth fighting for. It's why all popular struggles exist and deserve universal support because nothing is more important.

A Final Comment

Mer-Khamis' mother, Arna, the inspiration for his "Arna's Children" documentary, founded the original theater in 1988 after witnessing the first Intifada's devastation.

On February 24, 2006, Maureen Clare Murphy's Electronic Intifada article headlined, "Photostory: Freedom Theatre in Jenin aims to plant the seeds of dignity," saying:

The theater's opening the previous week showed "(t)he spirit of resistance has not been beaten out of Jenin..."

"Calls by speakers for the Palestinians to stand firm despite Israeli and American pressure resonated with the crowd, men on one side of the hall and women and children on the other."

Adorning the theater's walls were photos of the original theater Arna Mer-Khamis created, a Jew from a Zionist family, married to a Palestinian. Her picture is displayed inspirationally in the middle of the arranged montage.

In 1993, she was awarded the Right Livelihood Award, called the Alternative Nobel Prize presented annually "for outstanding vision and work on behalf of our planet and its people."

She donated her $50,000 award to the original Jenin camp Stone theater she founded.

In 2002, it was destroyed during Israel's attack on Jenin, killing dozens, cutting it off from outside help, destroying hundreds of buildings (many with people buried inside under rubble), cutting off power and availability of food and water from the outside, and refusing to let help come in (including medical aid).

Despite the recurrent threat of Israeli violence, "the forces behind The Freedom Theatre are undeterred" in their mission to use "(c)culture (to plant) the seed of human dignity" and inspiration to resist.

Why else would Israel want Theater principals silenced and their vision stopped by whatever means it takes.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Israeli Oppression Continues While Talking Peace

Israeli Oppression Continues While Talking Peace - by Stephen Lendman

No wonder Palestinians want and deserve statehood, as well as full UN membership to be able to seek World Court redress, and be able to sue under Genocide Convention provisions, and why not.

Israel's lawless hypocrisy is shameless given what goes on daily - bombings, killings, mass arrests, settlement expansions, dispossessions, and other civil and human rights abuses on an ongoing basis. More on that below.

On September 5, ahead of the September General Assembly meeting, Netanuyahu predictably said he wants peace talks restarted with no chance whatever of succeeding like all previous attempts for decades because Israeli violence is official policy.

Nonetheless, after meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Yyves Leterme, he said:

Abbas "can come to Jerusalem. I could go to Ramallah, or we could both go to Brussels." In fact, the proper response to a man spurning peace is go to hell, in diplomatic language, of course.

Netanyahu's gambit is another attempt to pressure Abbas to back off from seeking statehood and full UN membership.

Plans to petition the General Assembly still stand, though perhaps with less resolve than earlier based on recent comments and a new "strategy."

Instead of seeking recognition within 1967 borders, 22% of sovereign Palestine, a new proposal seeks statehood with permanent borders to be determined in later negotiations with Israel. It still wants them as originally drafted, but with more flexibility.

In other words, with enough wiggle room for Israel to maneuver Palestine into an unacceptable position it can't refuse, the way Oslo turned out. It left Palestinian rights entirely out of the final agreement at the same time Israeli terror attacks continued then and now.

Overnight Monday, Israeli planes raided an area west of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. No injuries were reported. In recent weeks, numerous others killed or wounded scores of Gazans.

The same day, Israeli forces detained 20 West Bank "wanted Palestinians," for the crime perhaps of wanting freedom.

Palestinian lawmaker Mohammed Abu Teir was also arrested and his home ransacked. Former PA Jerusalem affairs minister Khalid Abu Arafa expressed concern after Israel earlier revoked his city ID card.

Then in December an Israeli court expelled him to Ramallah for the second time after imprisoning him for four months for ignoring a previous ban. At issue is his Hamas affiliation, Palestine's legitimate government, wrongfully designated a terrorist organization.

An August 30 B'Tselem report discussed earlier in the month incidents. On August 19, an Israeli missile killed Gaza City's Mu'ataz Kreqa', his two-year old son and brother Munzar. Others nearby were wounded.

On August 19, a Gaza wastewater treatment facility, its main one, was bombed north of the Nuseirat refugee camp. It was one of many Israeli acts of vengeance against people for the crime of not being Jews.

On August 25, the Beit Lahiya a-Salam Sports Club was bombed, belonging to Islamic Jihad. Two civilians were killed, another 20 wounded, and the attack destroyed much of the building used as a kindergarten and school. Nearby houses were also damaged.

These and many other attacks are serious breaches of international law, yet Israel gets off every time with impunity.

Israeli Mistreatment of Jews

Growing numbers of Israeli Jews are also treated with disdain. An August 29 Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) report explained headlined, "Putting Israel's Periphery in the Center," saying:

"The gaps between" Israel's center and its so-called periphery "have reached an all-time high, as a result of government policy."

For example, the number of people with diabetes is four times higher among periphery located poor than wealthier center of Israel residents. The rate of families living in poverty is three times higher, and job seeker rate in the southern city of Kiryat Gat is triple the Tel Aviv figure.

As a result, besides weeks of social justice protests in cities across Israel, an August 28 march left from the Yeruham local council in Israel's south heading towards Netanyahu's Jerusalem residence.

Yeruham Local Council head Michael Bitton and Amram Mitzna led it. Its purpose was to raise public awareness of extreme social injustice in Israel's periphery.

ACRI attorney Tali Nir, Director of its Social and Economic Rights Department, said:

"(T)he economic logic, upon witch the Israeli economy is founded, is based on the assumption that market forces will generate a trickle-down effect from the rich to the rest of Israel's citizens. But this trickling is limited and meager."

"Thanks to the economic growth, wealth has been" concentrated in a few hands in Israeli's center, "and does not reach the south, the north, or" even most Israelis in the center.

"This is an inequality-promoting policy. The current socioeconomic policy helps those who are powerful to become even more powerful, and those who are weak to become even weaker."

Moreover, those in the middle keep getting weaker and are gradually "vanishing. Unfortunately, in recent years the term 'periphery' has begun to serve as a euphemism for the term 'the majority of the citizens of Israel.' "

How wide is the gap, ACRI asked?

In 2008, Tel Aviv had 5.5 doctors per 1,000 persons compared to 1.6 in the North and 2.1 in the South per 1,000 population.

In Israel's center, the rate of "expert physicians" among doctors was 72%, 82% in Tel Aviv. In the North and South respectively, it was 58% and 57%.

In Israel's center, individuals with no private or supplementary health insurance was 11%. In Jerusalem it's 31% and 23% in Israel's North (except for less adequate public coverage).

In Israel center, 6% of its residents skipped a doctor appointment because of cost. In Israel's North, it was 16%, 12% in Jerusalem, and 10% in the South.

Diabetes among wealthy Israeli is 4%. Among Ethiopian immigrants, it's 17%. In Ethiopia, it was zero. Among Israel's poor, it's 16%.

Average life expectancy in the wealthy city of Raanana is 83.7 years. In Nazareth, a northern Arab city, it's 75.7 years.

In 2009, those eligible for a high school diploma was 66%. In Raanana, it's 76% In poorer areas, it's 47.3% and among Arab Israelis it's 34.4%. In Lod, it's 37%.

For the 2008-09 academic year, the college graduate rate among 20 - 29 year olds in Tel Aviv was about 20%. In Or Yehuda, it was about 9%.

In 2009, poverty in Israel's center was 13%. In Jerusalem it was 33.7%, 32.3% in the North and 23.6% in the South.

In 2009, the percent of workers paid less than minimum wage was 35.5% in Israel's center and 38% in Tel Aviv. In Jerusalem it was 45.7%, 44.9% in the North and 44.1% in the South.

In 2010, 3.1% of Tel Aviv residents were job seekers. In Kiryat Gar, it was 10.4%.

In 2007, 57% of workers in high tech jobs lived in Tel Aviv and other Israeli center cities. Only 5% live in Jerusalem and its surroundings.

In 2008, 0.83% of Tel Aviv area residents got income support. In Kiryat Malachi, it was 3.83%.

In 2008, 140.7 applications per 1,000 population sought social services help in Israel's center. In its periphery, it was 184.2.

In the past decade, Israel's high tech industry thrived mainly in its center. Not only don't periphery residents benefit, they aren't getting the required education or training to do it.

As a result, a self-perpetuating socio-economic gap defines the two areas. According to University of Haifa Dean of the education faculty Ofra Mayseless:

"You have a shortage of good teachers, a lack of laboratories and facilities, less choice of subjects, and it translates to lower levels of opportunities" in periphery areas.

Despite various efforts to improve opportunities through special programs outside of conventional classrooms, most education leading to high tech and other good employment takes place in them.

As a result, for periphery areas to keep up, resources must be allocated for them. Efforts are being made to do it, but much more needs to be done.

So far, Israel's wealth gap and privileges with it remain extreme, leaving most Jews socially and economically deprived.

It's shown up for weeks with hundreds of thousands of Israelis protesting for long denied social justice they'll have a long struggle ahead to get because Netanyahu and other officials will go to extremes to deny them.

Only continued pressure may turn the tide. It remains to be seen if most Israelis are in the struggle for the long haul. It's their only chance.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Is Syria Next?

Is Syria Next? - by Stephen Lendman

America's business isn't just war and grand theft. It's also regime change by whatever means.

A previous article mentioned General Wesley Clark, from his book, "Winning Modern Wars," saying that Pentagon sources told him two months after 9/11 that war plans were being prepared against Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Somalia, Sudan and Libya. Months earlier, they were finalized against Afghanistan.

Clark added:

"And what about the real sources of terrorists - US allies in the region like Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia? Wasn't it repressive policies of the first, and the corruption and poverty of the second, that were generating many of the angry young men who became terrorists? And what of the radical ideology and direct funding spewing from Saudi Arabia?"

"It seemed that we were being taken into a strategy more likely to make us the enemy - encouraging what could look like a 'clash of civilizations' - not a good strategy for winning the war on terror."

On September 5, Nil Nikandrov's Global Research.ca article asked if "After Libya: Is Venezuela Next?" saying:

NATO insurgents attack on Venezuela's Tripoli embassy and compound narrowly missed claiming casualties as "ambassador Afif Tajeldine and the embassy staff moved to a safer location at the last moment and left Libya shortly thereafter."

Nikandrov added that Venezuela's embassy was the only one looted, suggesting perhaps a message threatening Chavez as America's next target.

He certainly was in April 2002 for two days by a Washington instigated coup, aborted by mass street protests and support from many in Venezuela's military, especially from its middle-ranking officer corp.

Later in December 2002 and early 2003, he was again by a general strike and oil management lockout, causing severe economic disruption, and by an August 2004 national recall referendum he won handily with 59% of the vote.

Chavez knows Washington targets him for removal, yet he remains Venezuela's democratically elected president since first taking office on February 2, 1999, and still popular.

Nonetheless, last June, the Republican controlled House Foreign Relations Committee wanted the Obama administration to aggressively "contain (his) dangerous influence (and) his relations with Iran," according to Rep. Connie Mack (R. FL), chairman of the Subcommittee on Foreign Affairs for the Western Hemisphere.

He and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R. FL), another right-wing extremist, got the White House to impose sanctions on Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), its state oil company even though America relies on imported oil it supplies.

They and others also want Venezuela designated a supporter of state terrorism with greater consequences if they succeed, unfriendly to US business interests very much opposed.

As a result, whether other actions follow bears close watching. Moreover, Venezuela's late 2012 presidential election is important, especially with Chavez recovering from cancer, so perhaps is more vulnerable than earlier.

Ahead of the precise date to be announced, Washington is funding his opposition as done previously, meddling in the internal affairs of a sovereign country, what's illegal in US elections.

Since 2002, in fact, America's State Department-funded National Endowment for Democracy (NED) directed over $100 million to anti-Chavez groups, candidates, and media campaigns.

Despite America's debt and budget problems, it continues perhaps in amounts greater than known, and may increase substantially next year as part of a greater regime change campaign.

Are more aggressive actions planned? Only the fullness of time will tell, but given the Obama's penchant for regime change, events ahead bear close watching.

In Syria also since externally generated uprisings began last March, then intensified, suggesting regime change there as in Libya. Both countries were targeted with violence, so far, however, without NATO intervening against the Assad government or able to get a Security Council resolution passed to facilitate it.

However, according to National Security Council director of strategic communications Ben Rhodes, the Libya model is a template for future US/NATO interventions, but "(h)ow much we translate to Syria remains to be seen. The Syrian opposition doesn't want foreign military forces but do want more countries to cut of trade with the regime and break with it politically."

By opposition perhaps he means Washington, NATO allies, and supportive regional regimes, not Syrians or its business leaders, harmed most by sanctions and other tactics.

On August 31, Corbett Report editor James Corbett told Russia Today that manipulated video footage is being used to falsify events on the ground, saying:

"There's even been the implication that some of the images being shown have been digitally manipulated," online reports discussing it. One instance cited video footage from Bahrain. Claimed to be from Hama, various stations airing it used different digitally "dropped in backgrounds."

"So there are some very strange things going on, and unfortunately we live in an age when media manipulation is so easy."

It's thus harder to distinguish between reality and fiction. It was true in Tripoli when alleged rebel-supportive euphoric celebrations were, in fact, produced at a Doha, Qatar Green Square Hollywood-style sound stage mockup. In other words, they were staged and untrue. Apparently, the same deception is now repeated in Syria.

A September 3 Corbett Report video with Michel Chossudovsky focused on destabilizing Syria, suggesting a greater global war could result, involving Russia and China.

"Whatever the nature of the Syrian government," he said, falsely intervening based on "the doctrine of the responsibility to protect is a derogation of the sovereign rights of a country," according to fundamental international law prohibiting it.

In fact, Western media suppress reports of well armed insurgents, brought in from the outside, stoking violence since last March. At the same time, Assad's forces were blamed for responding.

In all anti-government demonstrations, disruptive "Islamists, snipers, and armed gangs are involved in acts of arson directed against government buildings," including a "court house and the agricultural bank in Hama."

At the same time, nonviolent civilians, legitimately protesting grievances, are trapped between waring sides, resulting in deaths and other casualties.

At issue, however, is "an armed insurrection, spreading from one city to another. We now have very firm evidence that both Turkey and Israel are" supporting militia groups (financially and with weapons), some of them, in fact, used as death squads.

At the same time, "they're using this a pretext to demonize the Syrian regime, and demand the resignation of Bashar al-Assad," perhaps heading toward NATO intervention and greater war.

On September 2, Chossudovsky's Global Research.ca article headlined, "The Al Qaeda Insurgency in Syria: Recruiting Jihadists to Wage NATO's 'Humanitarian Wars,' Part III," saying:

Despite its authoritarian nature, Assad's government is "the only (remaining) independent secular state in the Arab world. Its populist, anti-Imperialist and secular base is inherited from the dominant Baath party," supportive of Occupied Palestinians as is Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah.

At issue is the US/NATO plan to "displace and destroy the Syrian secular State, displace or co-opt the national economic elites and eventually replace the" current government "with an Arab sheikdom, a pro-US Islamic republic" or US-style democracy meaning one in name only.

As always, America's pack journalism produces one-sided falsified report, supporting US imperial wars and disruptive insurgencies preceding them.

As a result, accounts and commentaries suppress information about efforts to recruit thousands of jihadist "freedom fighters" like earlier in Afghanistan against Soviet Russia, and currently a de facto NATO invasion force in Libya, massacring anyone thought to be pro-Gaddafi.

Already battling an outside instigated insurrection, is Syria's turn next, a topic MK Bhadrakumar addressed in his August 30 article, saying:

If earlier events in Iraq and current ones in Libya are "any indication, the future of (Syria's) sovereignty might be hanging by a thread." In fact, as he and others believe, regime change in one form or other is core regional US policy for strategic gains against rivals Russia and China.

Images from Syria now are all too familiar, including falsified reports hyping them, as well as claims about people yearning for Western liberators to free them.

As a result, expect Libya to replicate post-Iraq and Afghanistan occupations, highlighted by protracted conflict and violence, including insurgent forces warring amonst themselves, innocent civilians harmed most as a result.

Moreover, British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg ominously said:

"I want to make it absolutely clear: the UK will not turn its back on the millions of Arab states looking to open up their societies, looking for a better life?"

After destroying and preparing to loot Libya, did he mean Syria is next? Surely not Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, other Gulf States, Yemen, or other loyal regional allies, according to Bhadrakumar and other analysts.

Although accomplishing regime change in Syria may be harder than in Libya, never underestimate the ability of Western plotters to find a way. Perhaps what's now ongoing mere prelude to greater planned disruption politically, financially or by direct military intervention.

"Sustained efforts are afoot to bring about a unified Syrian opposition." A Turkey-held meeting, "third in a row, finally elected a 'council' ostensibly representing the voice of the Syrian people."

In fact, it represents predominantly Western interests as well as Turkey's and Israel's. "The fig-leaf of Arab League support is also available," pro-West autocratic regimes now "in the forefront" for regime change in Syria.

Key ahead is getting another Security Council mandate for intervention. "The heart of the matter is that regime change in Syria is imperative for the advancement of" America's Middle East strategy.

It includes delinking Syria from Iran, then Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, isolating the Islamic Republic, while at the same time, strengthening Israel's position, and weakening that of Russia and China.

Portraying both countries as being on the "wrong side of history," Bhadrakumar calls the strategy a "clever ideological twist to the hugely successful Cold-War era blueprint that pitted communism against Islam."

Western body language and supportive media rhetoric suggest "no conceivable way the US would let go the opportunity (for regime change) in Syria."

Whether it's coming, only time will tell. In the meantime, regional violence continues subverting Arab spring aspirations everywhere from blooming.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Commute the death sentence of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan

September 5, 2011

Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil
President of India,

Rashtrapathi Bhavan,

New Delhi -110001

INIDA

Tel: +91 11 23015321

Fax: + 91 11 23017290 / 23017824

E-mail: [email protected]

Dear President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil,

RE: Commutation petition as per Art. 161 of the constitution of the Constitution of India to commute the death sentence of the three prisoners, Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan currently lodged in Vellore Central Prison.

I am William Nicholas Gomes, a human rights activist and journalist. I have been campaigning for the abolishment of the death penalty for years. I want to start my appeal to you by quoting a comment of eminent jurist, W.J. Basil Fernando, who is the Director for Policy and Programme Development of Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), “I am opposing the execution of the killers of Rajiv Ratna Gandhi, not because they are the killer of 6th Prime Minister of India but it is because no State has a right to take the life of a human being, it being against the Right to Life. I am for abolition of death penalty”.

I am really very hopeful and praise the decision taken by the Madras High Court, in southern India which suspended the execution, of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan, three men who were earlier sentenced to death for the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi scheduled for September 9, by eight weeks high, according to local media reports.

I am therefore writing to you in connection with the impending execution of the three prisoners whose mercy/clemency petitions were recently rejected by you, a fact that I have came to know by the newspapers. I am presenting this memorandum for the pardon and commutation of death sentence into one of life of the said three persons.

The Tamil Nadu assembly passed a unanimous resolution asking you to review the mercy petitions filed by the three convicts all convicted for being part of the group that conspired to kill the former Prime Minister in 1991 and who were sentenced to death by the Supreme Court in 1999 to commute the death sentence to life imprisonment, according to local media reports.

In today’s world the trend in criminology is to reform the convict and not to be vindictive. An eye for eye is no solution to any human problem.

As I understand that no human being however high, even the Judges of the Highest Court in a country are infallible. Evidence may be found out later for reversing the conviction and by that time it would be too late as death sentence already carried out is irreversible. Several such cases have occurred in history.

For an instance, even if the Judges may be right in convicting the accused on the evidence presented before them, the prosecuting agencies might have been flawed in collecting the adverse evidence, due to incompetence, negligence or bias. There are no statistics that in the countries where the extreme penalty is abolished, there is an increase in commission of heinous crimes, or to support that in counties where the death sentence is retained, there is no repetition of similar cruel crimes.

I wish to bring to your notice that the validity of the death penalty as a punishment was questioned more than once in the Supreme Court. The court held the penalty valid on the ground that for the imposition of death penalty, which is no longer mandatory; reasons have to be furnished as the law stands today. For supporting its ruling that the death sentence is a valid penalty, the court evolved the principle of “rarest of rare cases”. It is a major concession to the contention of Human Rights activists that death penalty should be abolished.

I know that the crime of the said three person is horrendous and they should be punished, but, not by the death penalty.

Dear President, Your jurisdiction transcends ‘the rarest of rare cases’ jurisdiction of the courts. Hard-core practical men who are not plagued by the philosophical questions you are plagued with advise you Steeped in the political humdrum of daily politics, they have no time to implement constitutional and human values. Sir, I would request you not “to surrender to the blind acquiescence of the familiar”. For your kind consideration I am submitting the some legal points bellow while you reconsider mercy petition.

CASE DETAILS:

Prolonged delay in executing sentence:

All the three accused were in this case arrested in 1991. The legal process ended in the year 1999 with the confirmation of death sentence against Nalini, Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan. Nalini’s death sentence was subsequently commuted.

The clemency petition for Santhan , Murugan and Perarivalan was submitted in 1999 and kept pending for last 12 years until they were rejected by your office in July –August 2011. During the 20 years of incarceration none of them have even once seen the outside world through release on parole, family reasons or other grounds. In particular from the time of the confirmation of their death sentence by the Supreme Court, they have spent 12 long years in great insecurity not knowing the fate of clemency petitions.

A constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in “Smt. Triveniben v. State of Gujarat, 1989(1) SCC 678 held that undue delay in execution of death sentences amounts to violations of fundamental rights. Based on this ruling a later bench of Supreme Court held in “ Daya Sing v. Union of India” 1991(3) SCC 61, that “ – as stated that delay in execution of death sentence should be “sufficient to entitle the person under sentence of death to invoke Article 21 and demand quashing of death sentence”.

In “Sher Singh v.State of Punjab” (1983) 2 SCC (Cri) 248, the Supreme Court highlighted in great detail the psychological impact of prolonged delay of death row convict. The apex court in the “Jagdish v state of M.P.’ 2009 (9) SCC 495 also expressed its anguish at the plight of death row convicts. Speaking about the effect of delay in deciding on commutation petitions the Supreme Court said: “ The condemned prisoner and his suffering relatives have, therefore, a very pertinent right in insisting that a decision in the matter be taken within a reasonable time, failing which the power should be exercised in favor of the prisoner. The plight of a prisoner who has been under a sentence of death for 15 years or more living on hope but engulfed in fear as his life hangs in balance and in the hands of those who have no personal interest in his case and for whom he is only name. Equally, consider the plight of family of such a prisoner, his parents, wife and children, brothers and sisters, who too remain static and in a state of limbo and are unable to get on with life on account of the uncertain fate of a loved one. What makes it worse for the prisoner is the indifference and ennui which ultimately develops in the family, brought about by a combination of resignation, exhaustion and despair. What may be asked is it the fault of these helpless individuals and should they be treated in such a shabby manner” (paras 48, 50, 51)

In the present case, it is clear that there has been a prolonged delay in deciding the clemency petitions. The Supreme Court has pointed out such delay has extremely harmful effect on the prisoners and their families. Such unconscionable delay by itself constitutes cruel, degrading, inhuman treatment violative of Art.21 of the Indian Constitution. Such delay constitutes a valid ground for the commutation of the death sentence against Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan.

Grounds for Fresh Consideration of Commutation Petition:

According to the information received, the persons who filed the clemency petition are Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan. They along with 23 others accused, were prosecuted in the case know as the “Rajiv Gandhi Assassination” case relating to the assassination of the former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, during an election rally on 21st May 1991 at Sriperumbudur, 40 km from Chennai. Apart from Rajiv Gandhi, 18 others were also killed. The investigation agency, the CBI laid the final charge sheet implicating 26 accused for offences under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act 1987 (TADA), Indian Penal code, Explosives Substance Act, Arms Act and other laws . The trial was conducted before the Designated TADA court in poonamallee. At the end of the trail Designated TADA court convicted all 26 accused for offences under TADA (P) Act, IPC and other laws.

Confirmation of the death sentences and also the appeals filed by the accused were jointly heard by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court, in its judgment, set aside the conviction and sentence passed by the trail court for the offence u/s 3(3), 3(4) and sec.5 of the TADA(P) Act against all accused.

The Supreme Court confirmed only the conviction and sentence under the laws only such as the IPC, Arms Act, Explosive Substance Act and other laws as it related to the different accused.

The Supreme Court confirmed the conviction u/s 120B read with 302 IPC only as against 7 accused viz., 1)Nalini b) Santhan 2) Raguraj (A2) 3) Murugan @ Thas (A3) 4) Robert Pyas(A9) 5) Jayakumar (A10) 6) Ravichandran @ Ravi (A16) and 7) Perarivalan @ Arivu (A18)

The conviction and sentence for the remaining 19 accused as regards offense u/s 120B and 302 IPC was set aside. Some of them were convicted for lesser offences and set free if they had served the maximum sentence; a few were fully acquitted and set free.

Of the seven accused referred to above, the death sentence against only four accused, viz namely Nalini, Santhan@ Ravidas , Murugan@ Thas and Perarivalan@ Arivu were confirmed. The remaining 3 were sentenced to life time imprisonment.

All the four persons filed petitions seeking commutation of the death sentences.In April,2000,the Governor of Tamil Nadu commuted the death sentence of Nalini to life time imprisonment (ref: Letter Ms.No.406 dated 24.4.2000, Home Department, Government of Tamil Nadu) and she is currently lodged in women’s prison , Vellore.

The commutation petition of Santhan@ Ravidas, Murugan@ Thas and Perarivalan@ Arivu which was pending before the president of India waiting for about 12 years was finally rejected by you in late July, 2011, as reported in all leading newspapers.

I want to note that Art. 161 is in the nature of a residuary sovereign power which does not get extinguished on the rejection of a petition of clemency or commutation. The Supreme Court in “G.Kristha and J Bhoomaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh” (1976(1) SCC157) held that, “the rejection of one clemency petition doesnot exhaust the power of the president of Governor” and there is nothing to debar the president or the Governor from reconsidering a mercy petition in view of changing circumstances, especially changes in the world opinion against capital punishment. Thus additional mercy/ commutation petitions can be submitted for consideration.

The consideration of a second or even a third commutation petition is not without precedent. In the case of Govindasamy of Erode district of Tamil Nadu successive mercy petition were dismissed and writ petitions also came to be dismissed. However, in March 2000, based on a fresh clemency petition submitted to the then Union government, an executive stay (ES) was granted pending final decision on the mercy petition. Eventually, the Union government recommended to your office to commute the death sentence to one of life imprisonment. The said prisoner Govindasamy is lodged in Coimbatore Central Prison.

The power of granting clemency is one of the prerogatives which have been recognized since time immemorial as being vested in the sovereign wherever the sovereignty may lie. “This sovereign power to grant pardon has been recognized in Indian constitution in Articles 72 and 161. In this situation I want to recall a precedent, Supreme Court in “State (Govt. of NCT Delhi) v Premraj (2003(7) SCC 121).

In its judgment the Supreme Court very clearly held that there was absolutely no evidence to establish any of the offences under the TADA Act, viz, both terrorist acts and disruptive activities. On State v Nalini and others, 1999(5) SCC 253 the SC said:

“59. From the aforesaid circumstances it is difficult for us to conclude that the conspirators intended, at any time, to overawe Government of India as by law established. Nor can we hold that the conspirators ever entertained an intention to strike terror in the people or any section thereof. The mere fact that their action resulted in the killing 18 person which would have struck great terror in the people of India has been projected as evidence that they intended to strike terror in the people – But there is absolutely no evidence that any of the conspirators ever desired ever desired the death of any Indian other than Rajiv Gandhi ---- Not even one of them has stated that anybody had the desire or intention to murder one more person along with Rajiv Gandhi except perhaps the murderer herself”.

61. “In view of the paucity of materials to prove that the conspirators intended to overawe the government of India to strike terror in the people of India we are unable to sustain the conviction of offences under sec. 3 of TADA”.

67. “If there is any evidence, in this case, to show that any such preceding act was perpetrated by any of the appellants towards killing of any police officer who was killed at the place of occurrence, it would, no doubt, amount to disruptive activity. But there is no such evidence that any such activity was done for the purpose of killing any police personnel”.

Dear President, I have quoted from the Supreme Court judgment to stress the point that while the crime committed by the accused was indeed heinous, the Supreme Court itself found from evidence that what motivated the accused was to avenge atrocities committed by IPKF in Sri Lanka. It may not be out of place to point out that, as the Supreme Court highlighted in its judgment, that not even one of the accused had the desire to murder any other Indian other than Rajiv Gandhi. (pa 59/pg.300)

I submit the background circumstances to the crime, as brought out by the Supreme Court Itself, are important factors to be kept in mind when considering the plea of those sentenced to death for commuting their death sentence to life time imprisonment.

The three death row convicts, Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan have been in prison for the last 20 years. The acts of commutation will not in any manner erase the fact of the conviction or set them free. To the contrary, executing them will serve no purpose. Instead their continuing to serve life sentence will act as a reminder and deterrent to others.

Dear President, It is clear that it is clearly within the powers of your office to independently examine various factors underlying the case going beyond the facts and circumstances highlighted in the judicial process and arrive at a conclusion independent of the judicial finding. It is also clear that more than one clemency petition can be entertained. I urge you to consider afresh the issue of commutation of the death sentence of Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan. Stated differently, on its violations of u/s 54 r/w 55 A IPC, s.433 (a) and 432(7) Cr.P.C and also art 161 of the constitution can independently commute their death sentence to life time imprisonment.

Dear President, I have already discussed the fact that power of the state to grant pardon and clemency are in the nature of plenary, sovereign power, executive in nature and untrammeled by the decision of the judicial process. While exercising commutating powers, the government can consider a wide variety of factors including the background of the convict, his conduct while in the prison and so on. Surprisingly however, no clear guidelines have been formulated to guide the clemency powers.

The former President of India, Dr. Abul Kalam, during his presidency between 2002-07, had formulated a set of criteria to guide the Home Ministry when it considered commutation petitions. These Include:

1. The Home Ministry, before recommending any action on a petition, should consider the sociological aspect of the cases;

2. Besides the legal aspects, the ministry should examine the humanist and compassionate grounds in each case; these grounds include the age of the convict and physical and mental condition;

3. The ministry should examine the scope for recidivism in a case death sentence is commuted to life time imprisonment through the President’s action; and

4. The ministry should examine the financial liabilities of the convict’s family.

The Supreme Court in Santa Sing vs. State of Punjab (AIR 1976 SC 2386) highlighted some issues to be considered to before deciding on nature of sentence. Even though what the SC said was in context of guiding determination of sentence, the issues are equally relevant during consideration of commutation petition. The following are the main highlighted issues: “ --- the prior criminal record, if any , the age of the offender , the record of the offender as to employment, the background of the offender with reference to education , home life, sobriety, and social adjustment,, the emotional and mental condition of the offender , the prospects for the rehabilitation of the offender, the possibility of return of the offender to normal life in the community, possibility of treatment or training of the offender, the possibility that the sentence may serve as a deterrent to crime by the offender or others and current community need if any, for such a deterrent in respect to the particular type of offence”.

According to the information received all the three persons for whom I am advocating for clemency have exhibited exemplary conduct during the last twenty years in prison. None of them have any previous criminal records. During the twenty years they have been in prison, all the three of them have not only been socially useful but also very helpful to all other inmates in the central prison, Vellore. They have helped to educate other prisoners, have assisted in the formation of cultural troupes and have also been of assistance to the prison officials.

Exemplary conduct of Santhhan, Murugan and Perarivalan in prison, pre and post conviction:

Perarivalan alias Arivu

At the time of arrest Perarivalan (an Indian) was aged 19 and had a Diploma in Electronics and communications from Krishnagiri Govt. Polytechnic scoring 86%. During his long incarceration Perarivalan has secured a B.C.A (Bachelor of computer Applications) from IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University). He is currently pursuing his post graduation in M.C.A.

In all the twenty years Perarivalan has not been accused of committing any prison offense or come for any adverse notice by the prison official. While in prison, he has helped educate numerous illiterate and semi illiterate prisoners.

Murugan alias Thas

A Srilankan Tamil by birth, Murugan has passed his “A” level (equivalent to +2 in India). During his stay in prison Murugan passed both his B.C.A and M.C.A from IGNOU. He has also passed a certificate course in radio and TV mechanics and also a certificate course in two wheeler engines mechanism in Jail. He is a talented painter. An exhibition of his paintings was formally inaugurated by the former Director General of prison Mr.Nataraj, IPS, in 2009. Murugan also has been very helpful to the prison inmates as also the officials. In all the twenty years Muruganhas not been accused of committing any prison offense or come for any adverse notice by the prison official.

Santhan alias Ravidas

He is also a Srilankan Tamil by origin, has passed his “O” level school final exams. His novel titled “13-5-2009” has been widely acclaimed. Apart from his creative talent, Santhan is a pious and religious person. During the last few years in the prison, he is tending to the temple inside the central prison, Vellore and has been performing daily poojas and he is widely respected by the fellow prisoners and prison officials.

From the above mentioned facts it is clear that all three prisoners Santhan , Murugan and Perarivalan an important aspect of their behavior in prison in the last 20 years, which shows that there is no scope for recidivism , is their helpful, amiable and supportive conduct towards co-prisoners , particularly helping people from disadvantage families to families to acquire literacy education.

I request you that I have given an opportunity to explain in person to the grounds seeking commutation in respect of death sentences of Santhhan, Murugan and Perarivalan . I also seek permission to place for your consideration any fresh fact or circumstances which may be brought to my notice which may facilitate a just decision in this commutation petition.

As a first step towards such an eventual decision, your act of kindness by utilizing your sovereign power to grant commutation of death sentences of Santhhan, Murugan and Perarivalan will be widely welcomed by many in Tamil Nadu as also amongst the national and global human rights community. Very importantly, it will be tune with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution of December, 2010 which urged countries and states around the world to abolish death penalty. Through such an act you will also be signaling your government’s commitment to join 137 nations around the world which have, as on date abolished death sentence in their countries as an anathema of modern civilized societies.

The retributive theory of punishment is not acceptable to the modern world. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India has expressed similar views and are strongly advocating for the abolition of the death penalty. However, this barbaric practice remains in force in India. India must ratify the 2nd Optional Protocol of the ICCPR. I demand the abolition of the death penalty in India.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

William Nicholas Gomes
Journalist and Human Rights Activist

Hong Kong

Cc:

1.Mr. Shri Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, Prime Minister’s Office, Room number 152, South Block, New Delhi, Fax: + 91 11 2301 6857, E-mal: [email protected]

2.Mr. P. Chidambaram, Union Minister of Home Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, 104-107 North Block, New Delhi 110 001 India, Fax: +91 11 2309 2979;

3.Hon'ble Mr. Justice S.H. Kapadia, Chief Justice of India, Supreme Court, Tilak Marg, New Delhi -1, Fax: +91 11 233 83792, Email: [email protected]

4.Justice K. G. Balakrishnan, Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission of India, Faridkot House, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi 110 001, Fax: +91 11 2334 0016, Email: [email protected];

Lawlessness and Injustice Define America and Israel

Lawlessness and Injustice Define America and Israel - by Stephen Lendman

Rogue state lawlessness and contempt for humanity define both nations.

At home, America is plagued by police state laws, contempt for human and civil rights, out-of-control corruption, banker occupation, corporate control of Washington, record budget and national debt levels, as well as depression-sized unemployment, poverty, homelessness, hunger and despair.

Abroad, America wages permanent wars on humanity, killing millions for wealth, power, and unchallengeable global dominance at the expense of suffering billions.

The rancid stench of Washington's war on the world permeates everywhere, threatening human and environmental survival.

It's no better in Israel, a nation believing only Jews have rights, and increasingly less of them under neoliberalized harshness, favoring the few at the expense of most others.

Like America and other Western states, Israeli policies disproportionately favor the rich. Since at least the mid-1980s, they've caused extreme wealth disparities, unemployment, poverty, hunger, homelessness and gradual loss of social benefits, heading toward ending them entirely.

Israelis finally reacted, protesting for weeks about unaffordable housing, high food and energy prices, onerous taxes on working households, lack of free education and better healthcare benefits, weak labor rights, and a nation no longer fit to live in for Jews.

It never was for Arabs comprising one-fifth of the population. Yet they're treated more like fifth column threats than citizens with equal rights.

On September 3, Haaretz writer Ilan Lior headlined, "Hundreds of thousands of Israelis expected (Saturday night) at massive 'March of the Million' rallies," later saying in a follow-up article:

At 9:30PM, Tel Aviv's Kikar Hamedina plaza filled for the main event, preceded by a march from Habima Square via Marmorek, Ibn Gvirol and Jabotinsky streets.

Protest leaders and supporters addressed eager crowds. Featured entertainers heightened the popular spirit for change. Earlier, student union head Yuval Bdolah expected the rally's size to be unprecedented in Israeli history.

It didn't disappoint as around half a million Israelis massed in cities nationwide. Over 300,000 filled Kikar Hamedina. Protest leader Yonatan Levy said the atmosphere was like "a second Independence Day."

National Student Union Chairman Itzik Shmuli addressed the crowd, saying:

"Mr. Prime Minister, the new Israelis have a dream and it is simple: to weave the story of our lives into Israel. We expect you to let us live in this country. The new Israelis will not give up. They demand change. They demand change and will not stop until real solutions come."

Protest leader Daphni Leef added:

"My generation always felt as though we were alone in this world, but now we feel the solidarity. They try to dismiss us as stupid children, and as extreme leftists," but hundreds of thousands rallying for social justice prove otherwise.

Over 50,000 massed in Jerusalem's Paris Square, double the previous largest number. Actress Orna Banai addressed the crowd, saying:

"I am not amused that there are hungry children here, that we have a soldier rotting in captivity for five years, (and) that Israel is one of the poorest examples there (is for) human rights."

Others also spoke across the country for long denied social justice. Their common theme was keeping up enough pressure to succeed, and in Haifa to end discrimination against Arabs.

Shahin Nasser, Haifa's Arab Wadi Nisnas representative, addressed protesters, saying:

"Today we are changing the rules of the game. No more coexistence based on hummus and fava beans. What is happening here is true coexistence, when Arabs and Jews march together shoulder to shoulder calling for social justice and peace."

"We've had it. Bibi, go home. Steinitz (Israel's finance minister), go and don't come back. Atias (Israel's housing minister), goodbye and good riddance."

Rallying for social justice across Israel since mid-July so far shows no signs of ebbing. Succeeding, of course, depends on sustaining enough energy disruptively for change. Though never easy, it's the only way.

Approaching Zero Hour for Palestinian Statehood

Sovereign independence and full de jure UN membership is the only acceptable alternative for Palestine. However, dark Israeli and Washington forces aim to subvert it.

In February, Washington vetoed a Security Council resolution denouncing expanding Israeli settlements. In a White House statement, Obama "emphasized that a vote at the United Nations will never create an independent Palestinian state," even if the General Assembly grants it by a simple two-thirds majority.

Moreover, Congress near unanimously condemned Palestine's legitimate right to independence. In addition, it threatens to withhold support and perhaps impose sanctions if achieved.

In fact, political Washington contemptuously spurns universal rights, especially everywhere not under its control. As a result, whether democrat or despot, regime change threatens all independent leaders by one means or other, including naked aggression.

Ask Iraqis, Afghans, Haitians, and Libyans among others. They'll explain.

A previous article discussed The New York Times opposition to Palestinian statehood, accessed through the following link:

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-york-times-opposition-to.html

In fact, its longstanding policy staunchly supported Israel's occupation, belligerence, and right to reign terror on Palestinian civilians with impunity, in less than so many words.

On September 3, Steven Lee Myers and Mark Landler headlined, "US Appeals to Palestinians to Stall UN Vote on Statehood," saying:

"The Obama administration has initiated a last-ditch diplomatic campaign to avert a confrontation this month over" Palestinian statehood and full UN membership.

Once again it's playing the peace talks game even though past efforts for decades proved stillborn. Moreover, how can Palestinians negotiate without a willing partner, especially since its legitimate government is entirely shut out.

Both writers omitted these and other key facts, focusing instead on worrying whether "Obama would be put in the position of threatening (a) veto (or going along and) risk alienating Israel and its (US) political supporters...."

They also suggested support for Obama "trying to translate the broad principles (he) outlined in May into a concrete road map for talks that would succeed where past efforts have failed...."

In fact, as both writers know or should, equitable peace talks are impossible because Washington and Israel never tolerated them and don't now. Neither country negotiates. They demand. For Occupied Palestinians, it's stay that way, or else.

At the same time, past articles explained that Washington earlier provisionally recognized Palestine as an independent nation. According to UN Charter Article 80(1), it can't reverse its position by vetoing a Security Council (SC) resolution calling for Palestine's UN admission.

Doing so is illegal, subject to further SC action under the Charter's Chapter VI. Ultimately, the SC only recommends admissions. The General Assembly affirms them by a two-thirds majority. At this time, enough support exists to get it.

Moreover, if Washington does, in fact, play its veto card, the General Assembly can circumvent it under the 1950 Uniting for Peace Resolution.

Abbas Holds the Wild Card

Ultimately, long-time Israeli collaborationist Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas may prove the wild card. Ahead of petitioning the General Assembly, he's expected to explain his strategy, according to presidential aide Nabil Abu Rudaineh, saying:

"The president will define all the political moves which will be taken before submitting the UN bid, so as to make clear where the Palestinian cause is headed."

He'll "address the Palestinian people, telling them exactly why the (PA) will go to the UN, and what caused the current political situation after negotiations stopped, and after the international community failed to work out solutions to the question of Palestine, and to move the negotiation process forward based on clear foundations."

Abu Rudaineh added:

Palestinian leaders will petition the UN "as long as negotiations have not started, and Israel has not committed to clear references to start" them.

"We will go to the UN Security Council in coordination with all Arab countries. Going to the UN will be the only way to gain our rights and to maintain our gains."

Clearly, Abbas left himself wiggle room to avoid confronting Washington and Israel by backing down at the 11th hour, despite enough world support and international law on his side to succeed.

If so, millions of Palestinians will be betrayed by their own president, proving again his collaborationist ties to to Israel and Western interests for whatever personal benefits he's afforded.

Planned Settler West Bank/East Jerusalem Belligerence

According to International Middle East Media Center writer Saed Bannoura, Palestinians also face another threat.

On September 2, he headlined, "Settlers Plan Attacks Against Palestinians In September," saying:

Armed by Israel's military with tear gas, stun grenades and other weapons, "extremist right wing factions (are) preparing (to) respond to any popular Palestinian move" to petition the UN for statehood and full membership.

Already, settlers are heavily armed with automatic weapons and "unlimited amounts of ammunition." Using them and other weapons, they prepared a plan called "children against children, women and women" to attack unnamed West Bank and East Jerusalem populations.

Extremist MK Michael Ben-Ari heads the scheme along with militant settlers, apparently spoiling for a fight and using Palestinian statehood efforts as a pretext.

"The eight-page plan includes instructions regarding operations in Palestinian cities and villages in the West Bank and in Jerusalem. Its main slogan is 'let's transform September from a threat to a historic opportunity to change the rules of the game.' "

It adds:

"should the UN officially recognize a Palestinian independent state, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians will take off to the streets, to celebrate, and they might approach the settlements."

"Unarmed Palestinian women and children will lead the processions heading to the settlements. This will push the Israeli soldiers to open fire at them, and this issue will lead to a full collapse in the security situation, and the Palestinians will resume their attacks against the settlements."

The plan calls for Israeli children to confront their Palestinian counterparts, Israeli women and men doing the same thing.

Palestinian settlers have a long history of attacking Palestinians with impunity, including acts of vandalism, desecrating mosques, and murder.

Their most extremist elements now see a chance to escalate violence to the next level, aided and abetted by Israel's military, operating under Operation Summer Seeds provisions.

A previous article explained, accessed through the following link:

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/08/israels-operation-summer-seeds.html

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Libya, Inc: Coming Waste, Fraud and Other Forms of Plunder on a Grand Scale

Libya, Inc.: Coming Waste, Fraud and Other Forms of Plunder on a Grand Scale - by Stephen Lendman

Like in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, wherever America and its Western allies show up, pillaging is sure to follow.

Libya is no exception, earmarked as another profit center to be exploited. A previous article discussed it, accessed through the following link:

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/09/carving-up-libya-corpse-for-profit.html

It explained the process now begun to carve up the Libyan corpse for profit at the expense of millions of people who deserve better.

However, they're entirely left out of America's imperial agenda going forward with rich spoils at stake, including the usual waste, fraud and other pickings on an enormous scale.

A new congressional "Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan" investigation highlighted what Libya can expect. Titled, "Transforming Wartime Contracting: Controlling costs, reducing risks," it documented plunder on a grand scale.

Access the full report through the following link:

http://www.wartimecontracting.gov/docs/CWC_FinalReport-lowres.pdf

It begins, saying:

"At least $31 billion, and possibly as much as $60 billion, has been lost to contract waste and fraud in America's contingency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Calling its estimates conservative, it suggested the true amount is far greater than congressional investigators admit.

A previous article covered a decade of US war costs, accessed through the following link:

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/07/decade-of-us-war-costs.html

It discussed a June Brown University Watson Institute for International Studies (WIIS) "Cost of War" report, estimating (post-9/11) around $5,444 trillion spent and projected with all related expenses and obligations included.

In fact, including all related categories, America now spends around $1.5 trillion annually, suggesting a conservative post-9/11 total double or more Watson's figure.

It constitutes a shocking waste of national resources at a time vital homeland needs go begging, including essential social services being systematically reduced or ended. It also suggests a level of fraud and waste multiple times higher than congressional investigators reported.

In fact, as former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld admitted on September 10, 2001:

"According to some estimates, we cannot track $2.3 trillion in transactions" because the books are cooked to facilitate rampant Pentagon and defense contractor corruption.

It's theft on the grandest scale, stealing unknown trillions, dwarfed only by much greater stolen Wall Street amounts.

On August 31, AP headlined, "Independent panel warns failure to make contracting reforms risks more wartime waste and fraud," saying:

In Iraq and Afghanistan alone, America "lost billions of dollars to waste and fraud....and stands to repeat that in future wars without big changes in how the government awards and manages contracts for battlefield support and reconstruction projects, independent investigators said...."

Established in 2008, the Commission on Wartime Contracting (CWC) included four members from each party, created to investigate scandalous contractor malfeasance.

Calling its findings "sobering," it said much of what was found could have been avoided. Moreover, "(u)nless changes are made, continued waste and fraud will undercut the effectiveness of money spent in future operations, whether they involve hostile threats overseas or national emergencies here at home requiring military participation and interagency response."

Complicit with Wall Street's controlled Fed, war profiteers can order up all the ready cash it wants to steal. With Congress, the White House, federal departments, and the Pentagon involved in the dirty game, who'll take the lead to end a deal too sweet to stop.

Reports like CWC's proliferate through Washington, followed by inaction or too little of it. Why expect change now, even in an investigation, saying:

"Fraud associated with federal government contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan has been widespread." It includes "bribery, gratuities, kickbacks, and conflicts of interest, as well as false claims and statements, cost/labor mischarging, bid rigging, and undelivered, defective and counterfeit products."

In fact, the level of war profiteering sweetheart deals and kickbacks going back decades suggests trillions of dollars stolen because of militarism gone mad. Expect no independent investigations to uncover how much or that officials at the highest levels are involved.

In his 2005 book titled, "Grand Theft Pentagon: Tales of Corruption and Profiteering in the War on Terror," Jeff St. Clair documented an explosive account of how contractors like Halliburton, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Bechtel and the Bush family-connected Carlyle Group among others scam multi-billions at taxpayer expense.

Though out-of-control by any measure, it's largely unreported in the mainstream.

In addition, much grand theft since the Gulf War (exacerbated post-9/11) happened because functions formally performed by service personnel are now outsourced to private military contractors (PMCs).

Operating freely, they rip off the system absent checks and balances in place to stop them. Moreover, the total contract workforce in Iraq and Afghanistan exceeds the number of troops and civilian employees.

A previous article discussed America's growing use of PMCs, accessed through the following link:

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2010/01/outsourcing-war-rise-of-private.html

It described those performing security functions as unprincipled paramilitary hired guns. Operating freely from criminal or civil accountability, they're unchecked to kill or steal and get away with it, besides handsome amounts they're paid.

Since the Cold War's 1991 end, the Pentagon downsized to about two-thirds its former size, a process former defense secretary Dick Cheney called BRAC - Base Realignment and Closure, followed by privatizing military functions.

Ways wars are fought also changed. Earlier distinctions between soldiers and civilians broke down, the result of low-intensity conflicts against drug cartels, warlords and persons or groups aggressor nations call "terrorists."

When employed for imperial purposes (like so-called Libyan "rebels"), they're called "freedom fighters," not rogue gangs given license to kill and loot freely.

High-intensity warfare also changed. So sailors aboard guided missile ships, for example, serve alongside weapons and technology company personal, needed for their specialized expertise.

Moreover, political thinking changed to believe whatever governments can do, business does better so let it. As a result, privatizing the military followed, piercing the last frontier to let PMC mercenaries serve in place of conventional forces.

They're used as combatants and consultants, as well as for support services, intelligence and personal security, reaping enormous profits besides what they're able to steal that may, in fact, be greater because checks and balances aren't in place to stop them.

The CWC report covered various examples resulting from:

(1) Contractors managing other ones.

(2) Awarding no-bid long-term deals.

(3) Extending contracts well past their expiration dates.

(4) Using cost-plus instead of fixed-price contracts.

(5) Increasing ceilings on fixed-price contracts.

(6) Organizing work through multiple subcontractor tiers, making effective oversight impossible.

Notably, four large companies accounted for 40% of total contract dollars. Another 22 companies got deals of at least $1 billion, accounting for 52% of amounts awarded.

The concentration produced a "too big to fail" syndrome, affording vitally needed companies virtual immunity from accountability. It opened up a chasm for them to exploit in "the form of lower-quality materials, reduced training, and lower performance standards," as well as numerous other ways to commit grand theft.

In fact, given license to steal, how many opportunists can resist, especially that when caught, penalties exacted pale compared to enormous profits and personal gain.

The report also admits that relying heavily on contractors contributed greatly to sustaining insurgents fighting against US/NATO occupation, saying:

"The largest source of funding for the insurgency is commonly recognized to be money from the drug trade. During a March 2011 trip to Afghanistan, experts told the Commission that extortion of funds from US construction projects and transportation contracts is the insurgents' second-largest funding source."

Drugs trafficking, in fact, proliferates because the CIA and Western financial interests benefit greatly from it. For Wall Street banks, it constitutes a major profit center.

Years ago, Max Keiser worked on Wall Street. On his Russia Today program, he once remarked that every Friday afternoon, limousines drove up to major banks to deposit suitcases of drug money to be laundered.

It's one of many open Wall Street secrets, showing the corrupting power of money on a grand scale in amounts beyond comprehension.

The report also noted that in the last half century, America undertook 56 foreign interventions, including 10 land-based ones lasting a year or more. They include Southeast Asia (1960s-70s), Lebanon (1982-83), Panama (1989), Iraq (1990-91), Somalia (1992-93), Haiti (1993-96), Bosnia/Kosovo (1995-99), East Timor (1999-2000), Afghanistan and Iraq.

Libya now heads toward membership in a club Groucho Marx once described on a personal level, explaining one he wanted no part of willing to have him as a member.

Nonetheless, CWC called the current geopolitical environment disturbing enough "to plan for the possibility that the United States may again become involved in overseas contingency operations that require extensive contractor support," citing Libya as a case in point.

In fact, because the business of America is war, permanent war, multiple wars, what CWC called possible is guaranteed, because war profiteers want it no other way.

Unless militarism and grand theft at current levels cease, neither humanity or planet earth may survive the toll that keeps growing exponentially, because multiple US wars may increase to a global catastrophic one.

That prospect too grim to imagine is real because enough good people aren't committed to stop it.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Libya: Coming Waste, Fraud and Other Forms of Plunder on a Grand Scale

How Wall Street Fleeces America: Privatized Banking, Government Collusion and Class War

by Stephen Lendman

ISBN: 978-0-9833539-4-2 192 pp. $16.95 2011

SYNOPSIS

The 1913 Federal Reserve Act let powerful bankers usurp money creation authority in violation of the Constitution's Article I, Section 8, giving only Congress the power to "coin Money (and) regulate the Value thereof...."

Thereafter, powerful bankers used their control over money, credit and debt for private self-enrichment, bankrolling and colluding with Congress and administrations to implement laws favoring them.

As a result, decades of deregulation, outsourcing, economic financialization,

and casino capitalism followed, producing asset bubbles, record budget and national debt levels, and depression-sized unemployment far higher than reported numbers, albeit manipulated to look better.

After the financial crisis erupted in late 2007, even harder times have left Main Street in the early stages of a depression, with recovery pure illusion. Today's contagion has spread out of control, globally. Wall Street got trillions of

dollars in a desperate attempt to socialize losses, privatize profits, and pump life back into the corpses by blowing public wealth into a moribund financial sector, failing corporate favorites, and America's aristocracy.

While Wall Street boasts it has recovered, industrial America keeps imploding. High-paying jobs are exported. Economic prospects are eroding. Austerity is being imposed, with no one sure how to revive stable, sustainable long-term growth.

This book provides a powerful tool for showing angry Americans how they've been fleeced, and includes a plan for constructive change.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dirty Secrets of the Temple

Capitalism and Freedom Unmasked

Greenspan's Dark Legacy

A Short History of Government Handouts to Bankers and Other Corporate Favorites

Quantitative Easing: Elixir or Poison?

Fraud in Washington

Obama's Anti-Populist Budget and Deficit Fix

The Recession Is Over, the Depression Is Just Beginning

Manipulation: How Markets Really Work

Goldman Sachs: Master of the Universe

Financialization: The Rise of Casino Capitalism

Class Warfare Jeopardizing American Workers' Security

Waging War on America's Workers

Permanent Debt Bondage from America's Student Loan Racket

On the Chopping Block: Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid

The Federal Reserve Abolition Act

Public Banking: An Idea Whose Time Has Come.

AUTHOR

Stephen Lendman is a writer and broadcaster. His work is exceedingly widely distributed online, with his articles carried on numerous listservs and websites such as OpEd News, Cyrano's Journal, Information Clearing House, Countercurrents, Rense, AltNews, Uruknet, Global Research, Counterpunch, and more.

In early 2007, he began regular radio hosting, and now hosts The Progressive Radio News Hour on The Progressive Radio Network.

He's the co-author with J.J. Asongu of The Iraq

Quagmire:The Price of Imperial Arrogance.

He holds a BA from Harvard and an MBA from Wharton.

Available directly from Clarity Press, amazon.com, amazon.co.uk or our distributors in the USA, UK/Europe/ Middle East,

Malaysia/Singapore, World Clarity Press, Inc.

http://www.claritypress.com.

REVIEWS

"Stephen Lendman has been tireless in exposing the hidden forces behind the news, on everything from political economy and human rights to social justice and workers’ rights. His writings draw from a wealth of knowledge and deep conviction. I’m delighted to see him tackle the problem of private banking and government collusion and what I believe is the key to the solution—public banking."

ELLEN BROWN, Web of Debt

"Steve Lendman is one of America’s leading critics,whether it involves exposing collusion between Wall Street and Washington, the Obama regime’s support of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, or the frame-up of Muslim citizens by the attorney general. Fearless,thoroughly documented and judicious in his judgement, Lendman’s essays are a major contribution to the struggle for social justice in America."

JAMES PETRAS

"I think this text is terrific, just what is needed, very clear, informative beyond most people’s ken, easy to read, and of ultimate importance to steering economic and political recovery. The Capitalism and Freedom chapter is right in biopsy. The book just keeps on going with brilliant full exposure."

JOHN McMURTRY

Unequal Freedoms: The Global Market as an Ethical System

"A comprehensive understanding of Wall Street's manipulations of markets, money and power to the detriment of working people everywhere is badly needed. Stephen Lendman's new book "How Wall Street Fleeces America, is the

answer."

PETER PHILLIPS

President Media Freedom Foundation/Project Censored

"Stephen Lendman has written a brilliant, passionate, and humane analysis of the current economic disarray in which we now live. Picking up where Thorstein Veblen left off, Lendman links our catastrophic economic situation to the robber- baron mentality in corporations and the failure of government to act as the enforcer of morality. His analysis is full of concrete illustrations of this latter-day barbarism, and is accessible to the everyday person, as well as intellectuals. This book should be required reading in business schools as well as

Congress."

STJEPAN G. MESTROVIC

Professor of Sociology, Texas A&M University

"Stephen Lendman’s latest work covers a great many interconnected subjects that affect not only the United States but everyone in the world. The aspect of investment in America today is shown to be nothing less then the robbing of the

American people by a criminal syndicate, known as Wall Street, banking and the Federal Reserve. A good deal of this is based upon the Federal Reserve Act and the ability of major private banks to control American society. The players have turned the financial world into one vast casino and when the players lose large amounts of money the public is allowed to bail them out. This book digs deeply into many of the contributing parts of what is wrong with the financial system of America and the world today. Stephen Lendman has a great gift for writing and

research and all his readers are the

BOB CHAPMAN

Editor of the International Forecaster

"Stephen Lendman has a breadth and depth of understanding of world and national affairs virtually unmatched among other public intellectuals today. With this exceptional collection of reflections upon our financial and budgetary crises, he clarifies and illuminates the dark and obscure recesses of policies and

programs that, although ostensibly intended to promote the interests of the people, all too often have the opposite effect, enriching and strengthening the wealthy at the taxpayer's expense. Let us hope this book will be followed by many more!"

JAMES H. FETZER

McKnight Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota Duluth

""Stephen Lendman is a true citizen journalist and scholar. After a long and successful business career, Lendman took it upon himself to use his retirement as a springboard for a new career as an analyst of political economy. With great

acumen, Lendman calls out economic charlatans and cuts straight through the core of so-called bull markets to tell the truth about how the powerful fleece the public on a daily basis. Lendman not only traces the history of the current financial calamity, he offers common sense advice on what we can do about it. A solid, fact-based read for anyone trying to make heads or tails of what's happening in today's economy."

MICKEY HUFF

Associate Professor of History, Diablo Valley College, Director, Project Censored

"There are many descriptive, narrative accounts about Wall St. and the current economic crisis available to readers today. But Stephen Lendman's new book takes the analysis far deeper than a simple narrative. Lendman emphasizes and focuses on the connections between Wall St. actions and the political system in Washington. How money operates on both sides of the street -- the banking and the political--is described in detail. The reader is left with a broader, deeper understanding of why the recent crisis happened and where it may well be

headed. Most importantly, the author does not shirk from calling the outcomes of the Wall St.-Washington alliance for what it represents: the emergence of a new kind of class war in America. Readers will find of special interest his innovative views on banking and public banking. Lendman's book is definitely one not to be

missed."

DR. JACK RASMUS

Professor of Economics, Santa Clara University

Author: Epic Recession: Prelude to Global Depression

Turkey/Israeli War of Words

Turkey/Israeli War of Words - by Stephen Lendman

A previous article discussed release of the leaked UN Palmer Commission's report on Israel's May 2010 Mavi Marmara massacre, killing nine Turkish nationals in cold blood.

Access it through the following link:

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/09/un-report-on-mavi-marmara-massacre.html

Ever since, Turkey demanded an apology and compensation for loved ones of those killed. In fact, Israel never says it's sorry, even when caught red-handed. Turkey called it unacceptable, warning of sanctions and other consequences.

On September 2, they began, Istanbul's Today's Zaman headlining, "Turkey downgrades diplomatic ties with Israel after UN report leak," saying:

"Ankara has slammed Israel with sanctions of reduced diplomatic ties and a hold on all military agreements" after the UN report was leaked to The New York Times.

Calling it "null and void," Turkey's President Abdullah Gul said sanctions are only "initial steps" against Israel for refusing to apologize.

They include expelling Israel's ambassador, Gabby Levy, and his deputy, Ella Afek, (effective September 7), downgrading diplomatic representation in both countries to first secretary level ahead of possible severing them, if only short-term.

After Israel's May 31, 2010 massacre, Turkey withdrew its ambassador from Israel, leaving its embassy operational solely at the envoy level.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said:

"Israel squandered all of the opportunities to end the crisis, and now it must pay for it." He correctly added that Israel's blockade is illegal, the Palmer Commission's whitewash notwithstanding.

Davutoglu also said Turkey will "do whatever it takes to implement its interpretation of the significance of international waters in the Mediterranean. We cannot accept the blockade of Gaza. We cannot say that the blockade aligns with international law."

Moreover, the Palmer Commission's biased conclusion "does not correspond (to) Turkey's...."

Davutoglu additionally announced cancellation of all defense contracts between Israel and Turkey, saying Ankara will also initiate legal action to end Gaza's siege in international courts as well as help aggrieved families file lawsuits.

Unless Israel changes positions and apologizes, "we will put Plan B into play," Davutoglu said, adding only that Israel and other international parties are aware of what's coming.

He also stressed that Israel failed to grasp (or simply won't accept) the consequences of "gigantic changes in the Middle East region."

President Gul warned:

"It seems (Israel doesn't) comprehend Turkey's determination to show that the rights of our citizens will be protected to the end and the things that happened have not been forgotten. The steps....announced today are the initial measures. Others may follow, depending on Israel's attitude and the course of events in the future."

Gul also called on Israeli allies to warn its government that "in order to reach peace and stability in the region, there are steps Israel needs to take."

He emphasized that measures taken and planned only target Netanyahu's government, not longstanding Turkish/Israeli relations, suggesting whatever happens going forward sooner or later will end.

That said, Netanyahu has every incentive to remain hardline, even at the risk of overstepping too much and causing a greater rupture.

In fact, however, deteriorating relations began long before the Flotilla massacre. More on it below.

On September 2, Israeli Army Radio differed from Netanyahu from Netanyahu, saying security forces should have apologized to Turkey straightaway and paid reparations to avoid criminal lawsuits filed against its elite naval Shayetet 13 Special Forces.

They specialize in sea-to-land incursions, counterterrorism, sabotage, maritime intelligence, hostage rescue, high seas boarding, and cold blooded murder of victims targeted for assassination, even in international waters, adding piracy to charges of homicide.

In response to Turkey's sanctions and diplomatic downgrade, hardline Knesset Speaker Danny Danon asked Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to declare Turkey a terror-supporting state and impose sanctions on Ankara, saying:

"Turkey has gotten closer to Iran and constitutes a direct continuation of the axis of evil. The government in Washington must answer the Turkish problem before it is too late. The Turks have crossed the line. They supported the flotilla. They support terror and they dare ask Israel to apologize to them."

Ruling coalition chairman MK Ze've Elkin added:

"Turkey, who supports terrorist organizations that shoot rockets at Israeli citizens every day (a false charge), are those who need to apologize and take responsibility. Turkey, who cruelly represses the national longings of the Kurds are the last ones who can preach to us. Israel needs to stand strong before the chutzpah and the extortion of Turkey's Islamist government."

MK Yohanan Plesner called expelling Israel's ambassador and deputy "a new low in our declining relations...."

Unaware perhaps that Turkey recalled its ambassador in May 2010, MK Arye Eldad said Israel should expel its representative and demand payment of damages to the soldiers injured during the Flotilla massacre.

In contrast, MK Haneed Zoabi, aboard the 2010 Flotilla, said:

Turkey reacted correctly while "Israel continues to disrespect human life, the nations of the region and neighboring countries' sovereignty. Just as Israel is planning a new social order, it should consider a new diplomatic policy, in which it pays a heavy price for oppression, occupation and belligerence."

MK Ahmed Tibi agrees, saying "whoever kills pays a price. The Israeli Judaism will lead to an apology from the most extreme and most arrogant Israeli government. It is only a matter of time - the blood of the Turkish victims is screaming from the ground and the water."

So far, Israeli policy remains hardline. It espouses violence, not peaceful coexistence, confrontation over diplomacy, as well as strength through militarism, intimidation, and naked aggression.

It also claims Jewish supremacy, specialness, and uniqueness as God's "chosen people." No wonder it persecutes Palestinians, maintains Gaza's siege, and threatens Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas.

As a result, more violence ahead is likely, not conciliatory efforts for peace, let alone ending its illegal occupation that assures more trouble.

In fact, expect it if the UN General Assembly grants Palestine statehood and full de jure membership when it meets later this month.

Nonetheless, it's high time it affirmed what long ago should have been done, no matter what Washington and Israel try to block it or plan in its aftermath.

Why? Because it's the right thing to do.

New York Times - Again Supporting Wrong Over Right

On September 2, its editorial titled "Turkey, Israel and the Flotilla" highlighted support for the worst Israeli crimes, saying:

"The United Nations has long pummeled Israel, and Israeli leaders initially resisted an 'independent' investigation into the" Flotilla raid.

Israel went along, of course, when UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stacked the Palmer Commission with pro-Israeli/anti-Palestinian supporters, so "accepted (its) findings" when revealed well in advance of the report's release.

The editorial blasted Turkey, saying:

"We don't blame Israel for wondering if Turkey is keeping this conflict going to burnish its standing in the Arab world."

Adding that "Israel should apologize for the deaths," it said "Turkey should stop upping the ante."

Turkey, of course, wants Israel held responsible for cold blooded murder. Yet it's willing to accept only an apology and compensation for victims' families. Hardline Israelis refuse to say they're sorry, shooting themselves in the foot in the process.

Fact check

Unaddressed in this, past editorials, or commentaries was Israel's lawless act, murdering targeted nonviolent humanitarian activists in cold blood in international waters.

Nor do Times correspondents, editorials, or opinion writers acknowledge or explain Gaza's illegal siege or that Palestine has been lawlessly occupied for over 44 years.

Of course, longstanding Times policy has been to support wealth and power interests, not rule of law values and right over wrong.

As a result, it one-sidedly supports the worst of Israeli and US crimes, ongoing in multiple theaters against humanity.

Hamas Blasts UN Report

Victimized under siege, Hamas spokesman Ismail Rawdan spokesman told Press TV:

"We condemn this biased report which aims to exonerate the Israeli occupation by failing to address the suffering victims. It also fails to highlight the Palestinian humanitarian situation and Israeli blockade which is a war crime."

Others agree, including International Solidarity Movement co-founder Huwaida Arraf, calling the report an "expected whitewash," designed to avoid truth and justice.

Norman Finkelstein said its findings were "shocking (and) morally debased," claiming Flotilla participants' motives were "sinister," not "humanitarian."

What else could be expected from a commission stacked with pro-Israeli supporters!

Frayed Turkish - Israeli Relations

A previous article addressed them, accessed through the following link:

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/06/turkish-israeli-relations.html

It explained that relations began deteriorating much earlier despite years of close military, economic, political, technological, cultural, academic, and practical relations.

The 1993 Oslo Accords, in fact, facilitated them based on (false) notions that Israel sought peace. As a result, relations were less than entirely cordial. Underlying tensions persisted that grew as peace proved illusive, Israel choosing confrontation that erupted during the September 2000 Al-Aqsa (second) Intifada.

The 2003 Iraq war also caused friction, positioning both countries on separate sides. Israel's preemptive 2006 Lebanon war elevated tensions further.

So did Cast Lead from December 27, 2008 - January 18, 2009, inflicting mass casualties and destruction. Prime Minister Recep Erdogan, in fact, accused Israel of war crimes, including using illegal terror weapons like white phosphorous.

Then at the 2009 World Economic Forum, Erdogan walked off the platform after a heated exchange with Israeli President Shimon Peres that included condemning Cast Lead.

At issue also is Turkey wanting to position itself as an indispensable regional power, mediator and peace maker, while maintaining ties East and West.

Turkey wants Middle East security. Israel often disrupts it. Both countries also vie for regional dominance, while at the same time cooperating on military, intelligence and other mutually strategic interests. At least until the present row, suspending them at least temporarily.

At the same time, the more assertive Turkey becomes, the more at odds it is with Washington, its key NATO/EU allies, and Israel.

In fact, trying to please all sides while positioning itself as an indispensable regional player may cause it more problems than it achieves, especially given Washington's aim for unchallenged Mediterranean Basin control from North Africa through the Middle East, into Central Asia to Russia and China's borders, using Turkey for its own strategic interests.

On September 2, the Mossad-connected DEBKAfile accused Turkey of conducting a "hate campaign for bringing Israel to its knees and has entailed support for the terrorist organizations dedicated to its destruction," naming Hamas and Hezbollah.

They, of course, want out of reach peace and stability because of Israeli belligerence, not conflict to destroy a state it prefers to engage on equal terms.

Turkey also wants good relations, provided Israel respects its interests. Instead of explaining it, DEBKA accused Ankara of "using Israel as a whipping boy for their failed agendas," and failing to "understand that the Israeli army is not about to play kids' games with Turkish terrorists."

DEBKA concluded saying, "the glory days of close military ties....are gone for good." Turkey wants "to drive a wedge between Washington and Jerusalem," including by "derail(ing) their close military and intelligence collaboration," calling it "Turkish blackmail" to enlist its cooperation on other Middle East issues.

They're considerable with America embroiled in multiple regional wars, involving stakes also affecting Turkey.

A Final Comment

On September 3, Haaretz writer Barak Ravid headlined, "Report: Turkey navy to escort aid ships to Palestinians in Gaza," saying:

Turkey "will significantly strengthen its presence in the eastern Mediterranean Sea" in response to the Palmer Commission report.

An unnamed Turkish official was quoted saying:

"The eastern Mediterranean will no longer be a place where Israeli naval forces can freely exercise their bullying practices against civilian vessels."

Henceforth, Turkish naval vessels will accompany ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. At issue also is "ensuring free navigation" between Cyprus and Israel, including areas where both countries cooperate on oil and gas drilling.

In addition, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to visit Gaza at a time he believes best. According to the unnamed official, it's "to draw the world's attention to what is going on (there) and to push the international community to end the unfair embargo imposed by Israel."

On September 3, Ravid headlined a second article:

"Turkey to refer Israel's blockade of Gaza Strip to The Hague," saying:

As soon as next week, Turkey's Foreign Minister Davutoglu will "appeal the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague....to probe the legality of Israel's naval blockade," stating that "(w)e cannot say that the blockade aligns with international law...."

Adding that the ICJ should decide, he indicated Turkey will accept its ruling. He also said:

"If Israel persists with its current position, the Arab spring will give rise to a strong....opposition as well as the debate on (other) authoritarian regimes."

If Turkey's current positions hold, to one degree or other, battle lines short of open confrontation are drawn between once close allies. They bear close watching.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Carving up the Libya Corpse for Profit

Carving up the Libya Corpse for Profit - by Stephen Lendman

On September 1, dozens of predator states met in Paris to pick apart Libya's bones even though it's breathing, if barely.

We've seen it before, notably in Iraq under Paul Bremer's 100 orders that turned the country into a cutthroat capitalist laboratory. Baghdad was open for business at fire sale prices with US and other Western firms having first dibs on everything.

The "cradle of civilization" became Iraq, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of corporate predators. The Iraq that was no longer exists.

A wish list of economic laws followed. Corporate taxes dropped from 45% to a flat 15%. Foreign companies got to own 100% of Iraqi assets and be able to repatriate all profits back home. Import restrictions ended, and investors could sign 40-year deals and leases so no future governments could change them.

Destruction, invasion, occupation, and reconstruction made Iraq a bold new experiment, transforming a once independent country into a fully privatized new market with a huge pot of public money helping at the expense of Iraqis left out entirely.

It was pure pillage, a classic example of war spoils to victors, taking full advantage of their new prize, backed by hardline enforcement to crush resistance.

As a result, mass arrests, aggressive interrogations, torture, other mistreatment, and death squads traumatized and cowed a shattered people. Iraq was erased and rebooted. For investors, a corporate utopia followed. For Iraqis, however, it's been a hellish dystopia.

They're plagued by unemployment, poverty, and human deprivation on a massive scale. State enterprises ended. Local ones were shut out. Nothing unrelated to Western interests went to rebuild local infrastructure, including electrical grids, schools, hospitals, and homes.

Iraqis played no role in planning. Local firms weren't given subcontracts. Jobs were destroyed, not created while thousands of serf-like foreign workers were brought in and abused. Moreover, critically needed social services ended or were ignored.

In addition, unsafe GMO crops infested the country. The combination of war, contamination and drought wrecked its ecosystem, drying up fertile farmland and marshes.

Arable land became desert, killing trees and plants. A Garden of Eden became a wasteland, perhaps never to be reclaimed.

Whenever Washington-led NATO arrives, Iraq's movable Green Zone follows in one form or other.

The Libya that Was No Longer Exists

Destruction litters the landscape everywhere. Ongoing NATO bombing creates more of it, plus unknown tens of thousands dead and injured. Death squad rebel killers up the body count daily, murdering anyone thought to be pro-Gaddafi.

Moreover, to crush resistance, NATO shut off electricity and water in large parts of the country. It also blocked other essential services, including enough food and medical care.

As a result, unspeakable crimes of war and against humanity were committed. They continue unabated. Libya is one of history's great crimes, and for Libyans, the worst is yet to come.

Energy is the country's biggest prize. A previous article said scrambling for it began last April when Italy's Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said energy giant ENI CEO Paolo Scaroni had talks with Transitional National Council (TNC) officials "to restart cooperation in the energy sector and get going again the collaboration with Italy in the oil sector."

In June, the Washington Post said ConocoPhillips, other US oil giants, and related companies also held talks with TNC officials.

Though accounting for only 2% of world production, Libya is Africa's most oil rich state. Moreover, its high quality is especially valued, and reports suggest vast reserves yet to be discovered.

Besides ENI and ConocoPhillips, other companies wanting back in include Britain's BP, France's Total, Spain's Repsol YPF, Austria's OMV, America's Hess, Marathon, perhaps ExxonMobil, and others. Russia, Brazil and China will be largely or entirely excluded.

On September 1, New York Times writer Steven Erlanger headlined, "Libya's Supporters Gather in Paris to Help Ease New Government's Transition," saying:

Around 60 nations met to help "restore stability and a functioning economy to a country ravaged by rebellion and 42 years of dictatorship."

Like other Times' articles, op-eds and editorials, managed news and opinions substitute for full disclosure truth, especially on issues of war and peace, as well as corporate empowerment.

Instead of discussing the Paris predators ball, Erlanger said convening it is "another important sign of the legitimacy of the Transitional National Council...."

Western powers, in fact, chose it to be Libya's puppet government, beholden to capital at the expense of millions of Libyans entirely left out.

Fact check

Carving up the Libya corpse began. Gaddafi's 1999 Decision No. 111 is gone. Under it, Libyans got free top flight healthcare, education, training, rehabilitation, housing assistance, disability and old age benefits, interest-free state loans, subsidies to study abroad and for couples when they married, free water, electricity, and practically free gasoline.

They also got free use of land for agriculture to create self-sufficiency in food production. Moreover, all basic food items were subsidized and sold through a network of "people's shops."

Moreover, women had equal status with men, including for education, employment, and their right to own and sell property independently of their husbands.

On January 4, 2011, the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) "Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review: Libya Arab Jamahiriya" said Gaddafi's government protected "not only political rights, but also economic, educational, social and cultural rights."

It also praised his treatment of religious minorities, and human rights training of its security forces. After Washington and NATO intervened, publication of the report was postponed. It's now gathering dust, never to be formally released.

It covered Africa's most developed country. It's now the least, and discussions in Paris won't include restoring what NATO destroyed.

Instead, so-called "friends" convened to divvy up Libya's assets, starting, of course, with energy, but also its Great Man-Made River (GMMR). It's an ocean-sized aquifer perhaps more valuable than oil because it's replaceable. Fresh water, of course, can't be replaced except at great cost.

A Final Comment

Representing America in Paris, Hillary Clinton, an unindicted war criminal, said:

Our partners must "stay focused on the ultimate objective of helping the Libyan people chart their way to a better future....All of us are inspired by what is happening in Libya."

Gideon Polya maintains the Body Count web site, and in 2007 published a book titled, "Body Count. Global avoidable mortality since 1950."

In September 2010, he highlighted eight million post-9/11 War on Terror deaths, mainly in Iraq and Afghanistan. A year later, add many more, and expect them to rise in each country NATO occupies and/or attacks, including Libya.

Nonetheless, Clinton is "inspired" by her handiwork, adding that "the international community must maintain the same sense of resolve and shared responsibility" going forward.

In a country of six million people, perhaps continued "resolve and shared responsibility" will leave too few left to notice, including Clinton interested only in sharing the spoils of war.

Why else are they fought instead of saving future "generations from the scourge of war" as the UN Charter "determined."

Clinton perhaps never read it. For sure, she, Obama, and Paris predators have no interest in "practic(ing) tolerance and liv(ing) together in peace with one another as good neighbors" when doing so sacrifices profits.

In fact, love doesn't make the world go round, just the spoils of war for victors to carve up. Libya is their latest victim.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

UN Report on Mavi Marmara Massacre

UN Report on Mavi Marmara Massacre - by Stephen Lendman

On May 31, 2010, Israeli commandos willfully and maliciously interdicted Freedom Flotilla vessels in international waters, bringing humanitarian aid to besieged Gazans.

In the process, they slaughtered nine Turkish nationals aboard the mother Mavi Marmara ship, wounding dozens more, and arresting everyone on board.

A same day article described what happened as known at the time, accessed through the following link:

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2010/05/brave-israeli-commandos-slaughter-aid.html

It was a well planned premeditated attack against unarmed, nonviolent humanitarian activists, trying to break Israel's illegal blockade to deliver essential aid. Cold-blooded murder resulted.

Note:

Under international and US law, blockades are acts of war, variously defined as:

-- surrounding a nation or objective with hostile forces;

-- measures to isolate an enemy;

-- encirclement and besieging;

-- preventing the passage in or out of supplies, military forces, or aid in time of or as an act of war; and

-- an act of naval warfare to block access to an enemy's coastline and deny entry to all vessels and aircraft.

Law Professor Francis Boyle calls blockades:

"belligerent measures taken by a nation (to) prevent passage of vessels or aircraft to and from another country. Customary international law recognizes blockades as an act of war because of the belligerent use of force even against third party nations in enforcing the blockade. Blockades as acts of war have been recognized as such in the Declaration of Paris of 1856 and the Declaration of London of 1909 that delineate the international rules of warfare."

America approved these Declarations, so they're binding US law as well "as part of general international law and customary international law." Past US presidents, including Dwight Eisenhower and Jack Kennedy, called blockades acts of war. So has the US Supreme Court.

Occupied Palestine poses no threat to Israel. In the past, Israel admitted it. As a result, imposing a blockade violates the UN Charter and other international and US laws. It's also an illegal act of aggression that under the Nuremberg Charter constitutes the "supreme international crime against peace."

Last September, the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), issued damning findings, "conclud(ing) that a series of violations of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, were committed by the Israeli forces during the interception of the flotilla and during the detention of passengers in Israel prior to deportation."

By imposing an illegal blockade, Israel willfully and maliciously caused a grave humanitarian crisis, affecting nearly 1.7 million Gazans, mostly civilians. Aid is vitally needed. Blocking it is a crime against humanity. Moreover, Israel's international waters interdiction was piracy.

A "vessel on the high seas (posing no threat) is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of its flag State."

Under the laws of armed conflict, a blockade is also illegal if:

(a) its sole purpose is starving the civilian population or denying it other essentials for life; or

(b) the damage to civilians is, or may be expected to be, excessive in relation to the concrete or direct military advantage anticipated.

In other words, no blockade is permitted it it disproportionately harms civilians. Israel has done it maliciously for over four years, collectively punishing Gazans illegally, despite admitting no security threat exists.

HRC said Israel's interdiction was lawless "since there was no legal basis for the Israeli forces to conduct an assault and interception in international waters."

Moreover, in doing so, Israel was "obligated" to respect international law and its own "international human rights obligations."

HRC thus concluded that force used "was unnecessary, disproportionate, excessive, inappropriate and resulted in the wholly avoidable killing and maiming of a large number of civilian passengers."

In addition, Israel made "a deliberate attempt....to suppress or destroy evidence," besides fabricating its own version of events, including fake videos and other falsified materials.

Despite indisputable crimes against humanity and piracy, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon shamelessly named his own, largely pro-Israeli commission, mocking justice and his own credibility in the process.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer chaired it along with former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe as vice-chairman. His appalling record in office and contempt for human rights should have automatically disqualified him.

Notably, he was tainted by corruption and scandal, with close links to his country's drug cartels and paramilitary death squads. As a result, he bore direct responsibility for murdering thousands of trade unionists, campesinos, human rights workers, journalists, and others opposing Colombia's narco-state terrorism and ties to US imperialism.

Nonetheless, he was shamelessly appointed to decide whether or not Israeli commandos committed high crimes because as Colombia's president, and now, he staunchly supports the worst of US and Israeli crimes.

He, Palmer and Joseph Siechanover, former head of Israel's Defense Mission to the US and Canada, proved their loyalty in contrast to the commission's fourth member, former Turkish official Ozdem Sanberk, who likely wanted conclusions other than those reached.

They were mixed, largely absolving Israel of cold-blooded murder and condemning its illegal siege.

The full report can be accessed through the following link:

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/world/Palmer-Committee-Final-report.pdf

The New York Times obtained it a day ahead of its expected September 2 release. Writers Neil MacFarquhar and Ethan Bronner headlined, "Report Finds Naval Blockade by Israel Legal but Faults Raid," saying:

The UN report "found that when Israeli commandos boarded the main (Mavi Marmara) ship they faced 'organized and violent resistance from a group of passengers' and were therefore required to use force for their own protection."

However, it determined that its use was "excessive and unreasonable," calling deaths and injuries caused as well as Israel's treatment of passengers abusive.

Haaretz writer Barak Ravid also covered the story, saying:

"The report harshly criticizes the flotilla organizers, stating 'they acted recklessly in attempting to breach the naval blockade,' " adding that "there exist serious questions about the conduct, true nature and objectives of the flotilla organizers, particularly IHH (a Turkish charity)."

Also emphasized was that Turkey could have done more to persuade its nationals not to participate. Nonetheless:

"Forensic evidence showing that most of the deceased were shot multiple times, including in the back, or at close range has not been adequately accounted for in the material presented by Israel."

The report was ready for publication months ago, but was delayed to give Turkey more time to press Israel for an apology not forthcoming. In fact, Israel never says it's sorry, even when caught red-handed.

Fact check

As explained in part above:

(1) Gaza's siege is illegal. Saying otherwise doesn't wash. Neither Hamas, other Palestinian resistance groups, or the PA threaten Israel, except in self-defense retaliation against premeditated Israeli attacks as international law allows.

(2) All Flotilla participants were unarmed, nonviolent human rights activists. Nonetheless, they were maliciously attacked in international waters. Moreover, Israeli commandos had photos of Turkish nationals marked for assassination. They identified and shot them in cold blood multiple times at point blank range.

(3) The UN Human Rights Commission (HRC) examined the same evidence, holding Israel culpable for high crimes.

Turkey's Response to the Palmer Commission Report

On September 1,Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the Palmer Report's release constituted Israel's last chance for a formal apology. Without it, he warned of possible sanctions and other consequences.

Israel never apologized. Moreover, Netanyahu told US officials that decision's unchanged. As a result, Turkey may scale back its diplomatic representation, including expelling Israel's ambassador (Gabby Levy) and his deputy (Ella Afek).

Turkey also is expected to initiate a diplomatic and legal campaign against Israel through the UN, and will help loved ones of those killed sue Israel in world courts.

In addition, legal action may be taken against responsible Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, then Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, and Navy Commander Adm. Eliezer Marom.

Moreover, billions of dollars of trade between the two country are at risk.

Turkey also was angry that the commission mostly adopted Israeli friendly conclusions. At the same time, Israel was pleased.

Final Comments

Absolution is unacceptable. Nonetheless, Israel again got largely off the hook, free to commit more crimes of war and against humanity, besides ongoing daily ones in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

At issue is stopping them, ending Gaza's siege, Israel's occupation, and granting Palestine statehood and full UN membership later this month when the UN General Assembly meets.

Even then, Israeli lawlessness won't end. Perhaps it'll only be slowed, but any committed will be against a sovereign state able to sue through the World Court for redress, and be able to get a temporary restraining order to stop it.

In other words, sovereign Palestine will have statehood rights Israel fears. What better way to slap it down, using the power of the law, not retaliation.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Besieging and Terror Bombing Sirte

Besieging and Terror Bombing Sirte - by Stephen Lendman

In his latest article, Paul Craig Roberts calls America "utterly corrupt" and "certainly no 'light unto the world.' "

In her latest article, Diana Johnstone said "Western 'democracy' is in danger of being gradually reduced to a mere ideological excuse to attack, ravage and pillage other people's countries."

It's official policy, in fact, because the business of America is war, permanent war against humanity by military, financial, political and other means.

As a result, terrorizing and destroying the Libya that was continues, focused heavily on what's called Gaddafi loyalists' last stronghold.

No matter the death, destruction and human misery already caused.

Or that Tripoli residents are now terrorized by a continuing bloodbath. Anyone believed to be pro-Gaddafi is under threat of death.

No matter also that Sirte, a city of 100,000, is being terror bombed relentlessly, perhaps intending to turn it to rubble. It wouldn't be the first time Washington and its Western allies did it. More on that below.

Sirte is also surrounded. On August 30, The New York Times said rebels gave Gaddafi loyalists until Saturday to surrender "or face military action."

On September 1, Reuters said Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) extended the deadline one week.

Earlier, NTC spokesman Col. Ahmed Omar Bani told a Benghazi press conference:

"We have been given no indication of a peaceful surrender." After months of conflict and unknown numbers of Sirte casualties, he shamelessly added:

"We continue to seek a peaceful solution, but on Saturday we will use different methods against these criminals."

According to deputy TNC head Ali Tarhouni:

"Sometimes to avoid bloodshed you must shed blood, and the faster we do this the less blood we will shed."

In other words, another possible bloodbath may ensue, besides the toll already exacted by NATO terror bombing and rebel-instigated slaughterhouse on the ground.

Since winter, they were given license to murder, terrorize, and loot with impunity. They've taken full advantage. Sirte is their last major plum to pluck.

A previous article warned of possible massacres, saying insurgents have the city surrounded, preparing for a final assault. Moreover, anyone attempting to leave is blocked. Women and children are forced back. Men are shot in cold blood.

Information from inside the city indicates no way to bury corpses. Earlier bombing continued around the clock. Whether or not as intensive, it's ongoing, preparing the city for a ground attack.

It's also being turned to rubble, massacring unknown numbers of residents, mostly civilians. It's part of a longstanding NATO pattern, targeting noncombatants and nonmilitary related sites. Under international law, it's a war crime.

Under the 1907 Hague Regulations, Fourth Geneva, Geneva's Common Article III, and various other international laws, civilians are protected persons. So is civilian property. Attacking them is prohibited. War crimes are clearly defined. The principles of distinction and proportionality also apply:

-- distinction between combatants and military targets v. civilians and non-military ones; attacking latter ones are war crimes except when civilians take direct part in hostilities; and

-- proportionality prohibits disproportionate, indiscriminate force likely to cause damage to or loss of lives and objects.

In addition, precautions must be taken to avoid and minimize incidental loss of civilian lives, injuries to them, and damage to non-military sites. Under Fourth Geneva, they must be given "effective advance warning" and "neutralized zones" where they can be as protected as possible.

Fourth Geneva also prohibits collective punishment; the use of human shields; private property destruction; torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment; denying the population adequate amounts of food and medical supplies; and assuring free passage of all "consignments" intended for civilian purposes.

Nonetheless, in all US/NATO wars, including Libya (besides earlier ones America waged), these provisions are systematically and willfully violated.

Civilians and nonmilitary related sites are considered legitimate targets, while Western powers spuriously claim every effort is made to spare them.

In fact, NATO, political Washington, and media scoundrels are serial liars, complicit in advancing America's imperium by destroying countries one at a time or in multiples.

No matter that international law permits war only in self-defense. Moreover, only Congress can declare it, not the president overtly, covertly or any other way for any reason unless America is attacked.

In addition, the principle of non-intervention (a cornerstone of international law pertaining to national sovereignty) prohibits meddling in the internal affairs of other countries as stipulated in the UN Charter's Article 2(7) stating:

"Nothing contained in the present charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state or shall require the Members to submit matters to settlement under the present Charter; but this principle shall not prejudice the application of enforcement measures under Chapter VII," pertaining to threats to peace, its breaches, or acts of aggression.

Before it ends (besides what was done to Tripoli and other Libyan cities), Sirte may become another of history's most infamous terror bombing victims.

A previous article discussed earlier ones, including:

-- Guernica - 1937;

-- the London Blitz - 1940 - 41;

-- Dresden - 1945;

-- Tokyo - 1945;

-- Hiroshima and Nagasaki - 1945;

-- North Korea - 1950 - 53;

-- Southeast Asia - 1964 - 73;

-- Iraq - 1991 to the present;

-- Serbia/Kosovo - 1999;

-- Afghanistan - 2001 to the present;

-- Lebanon - 1982 and 2006; and

-- Gaza - 2008 - 09.

Strategic bombing involves destroying an adversary's economic and military ability to wage war. It targets its war making capacity and related infrastructure.

Terror bombing is another matter. Against civilians it's to break their morale, cause panic, weaken their will to resist, and inflict mass casualties and punishment - no matter how lawless.

The London Blitz

Famed WW II war correspondent Ernie Pyle described a 1940 London night raid as follows:

"It was a night when London was ringed and stabbed with fire. They came just after dark, and somehow you could sense from the quick, bitter firing of the guns that there was to be no monkey business this night."

"Shortly after the sirens wailed you could hear the Germans grinding overhead. In my room....you could feel the shake from the guns. You could hear (explosions) tearing buildings apart....You have all seen big fires, but I doubt if you have ever seen the whole horizon of a city lined with great fires - scores of them, perhaps hundreds....Every two minutes, a new wave of planes would be over...."

"Later on, I went out among the fires....London stabbed with great fires, shaken by explosions....all of it roofed over with a ceiling of pink that held bursting shells, balloons, flares and the grind of vicious engines. (It was) the most hateful, most beautiful single scene I have ever known."

London wasn't the only city attacked. Besides military sites, so were Dublin, Manchester, Liverpool, Belfast, Birmingham, Sheffield, Plymouth, Nottingham, Southhampton, Bristol, Cardiff, Clydebank, Coventry, Greencock, Swansea, and Hull.

This happened, of course, before nukes, smart bombs, cruise missiles, and other hellish legal and illegal US and NATO weapons freely used lawlessly against nonbelligerent countries, including civilians and nonmilitary targets.

Firebombing Tokyo

Another example was America's firebombing of Tokyo. The first raid came on February 24, 1945 when 174 planes destroyed one square mile of the city.

The major attack came days later on March 9 when 279 Superforts demolished 16 square city miles, killed an estimated 100,000 in the firestorm, injured many more, and left over one million homeless.

Around five dozen other Japanese cities were also firebombed at a time most structures there were wooden and easily consumed. And for what?

Early in 1945, Japan extended peace feelers. Then, two days before the February Yalta Conference, Douglas MacArthur sent Roosevelt a 40-page summary of its terms.

They were near-unconditional. Japan would accept an occupation, cease hostilities, surrender its arms, remove all troops from occupied territories, submit to criminal war trials, and allow its industries to be regulated. In return, they asked only that their Emperor be retained in an honorable capacity.

Roosevelt spurned the offer. So did Truman. Tokyo was first firebombed. Then in August, atom bombs were used for the first time against Hiroshima and Nagasaki, gratuitously when Japan was largely destroyed and near collapse. Combined, they took a horrendous toll from immediate death and later radiation poisoning.

It culminated the Pacific conflict John Dower called "War Without Mercy" in his book by that title.

The Crime of Fallujah

One chapter of America's destruction of Iraq deserves highlighting - its shocking war crimes in Fallujah. They're a snapshot of Washington's ruthless quest to destroy human life for profit and dominance.

In September 2010, the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) issued a report titled, "Testimonies of Crimes Against Humanity in Fallujah: Towards a Fair International Criminal Trial." Citing the city's deteriorating conditions, it said:

"From the (2003) outset and at the start of the indiscriminate and merciless campaign of collective punishment and willful destruction, undertaken by the occupational troops of the United States of America," innocent civilians endured an "inhumane siege and indiscriminate killing" during April and May 2004.

"The genocidal massacres" included "sustained and targeted bombing(s), aimed directly at the homes of defenseless civilians," killing and maiming hundreds on the bogus pretext of "pursuing the leaders of the resistance."

A November/December massacre followed, killing, wounding, and maiming thousands more, many others still missing or displaced.

Between the two Fallujah battles, US forces kept bombing residential and industrial areas with 500 kg and cluster bombs. Negotiations to halt hostilities failed. Pentagon forces spurned peace. They chose mass slaughter and destruction instead, murdering innocent civilians maliciously.

Thousands of others were arrested, kept in cages, some forced to clean up the city to erase evidence of US crimes. Hundreds of those detained went to Abu Ghraib and Basra's Boukah Prison. Many died there from torture and ill treatment.

It was willful, malevolent carnage. Innocent civilians were targeted in violation of fundamental international laws, ones America always flouts disdainfully.

Witnesses confirmed mass slaughter of unarmed civilians inside houses and mosques. Some were shot after being handcuffed. Others were blown up inside their own homes.

Many children saw their parents shot. Adults witnessed spouses and children killed. Both Iraqi National Guards and US Marines participated in looting homes and stores. Thousands of others were destroyed. A government committee found 26,000 houses damaged, another 3,000 completely demolished, including 70 mosques, 50 schools, the city's power plant providing electricity, 50% of the drinking water distribution system, and 70% of the sewer system.

Overall, indiscriminate slaughter and destruction occurred, followed by looting, mass arrests, torture, and deaths from ill treatment, as well as vast environmental contamination. As a result, a significant increase in cancer and congenital malformations followed.

The crime of Fallujah and all Iraq continues. So does Afghanistan and all US imperial wars, including against Libya.

Others one day will recount its full story, another merciless war like all others post-WW II against nonbelligerent countries.

WW I was called "The war to end all wars."

The 1928 Kellogg-Briand Pact (also called the General Treaty for the Renunciation of War or the World Peace Act) renounced aggressive war as "an instrument of national policy," except for self-defense.

The UN Charter's Preamble begins saying:

"We the Peoples of the United Nations Determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind...."

America and its NATO allies renounced what's codified in law, waging permanent wars against humanity for total imperial dominance.

Libyans understand. Ask them. They'll explain. Under planned NATO occupation, their liberating struggle just began.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Israel's Proposed Counterterrorism Law

Israel's Proposed Counterterrorism Law - by Stephen Lendman

In recent years, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) increasingly warned about infringements of democratic freedoms in Israel.

Major concerns involve undermining free expression, human dignity, equality, pluralism, freedom of assembly and right to protest, and whether certain positions can be declared illegitimate, despite the democratic right of anyone to profess them.

Another major concern is Israel's proposed counterterrorism law. On August 3, it passed its first Knesset reading. It proposes to make current "state of emergency" measures against terrorism permanent law, including administrative detentions, control orders, and broad definitions of "terrorism" and "terror organizations."

The law smacks of police state justice that should worry dwindling numbers of less extreme MKs and all Israelis. Of course, Palestinians and Israeli Arabs already experience Israeli terror. Perhaps Jews will soon learn firsthand how unjustly repressive.

According to ACRI attorney Lila Margalit:

"(T)he bill includes elements that may lead law-abiding individuals and organizations to be deemed as 'terrorists.' (It) grants the State draconian and unchecked authority to take extreme measures against individuals and organizations without due process, on the basis of suspicion alone, without guaranteeing the minimal right of self-defense in court. The bill therefore provides a huge opening for the State to intervene in the public debate and to limit freedom of assembly and freedom of movement."

It also endangers free expression without which all other rights are at risk. If passed, the bill will legitimize police state justice, rendering anyone vulnerable to be judged guilty by accusation.

It's the same slippery slope America headed down post/9/11. In numerous ways, Israel replicated it. This law will add another nail in the coffin of a free society, leaving everyone unsafe - uncertain whether midnight justice will leave them isolated in detention, awaiting harsh rulings to keep them there for exercising rights they've now lost.

Israel's 2011 Counterterrorism Law (CL)

ACRI explained its provisions, subject to debate and amendments, including:

(1) Administrative Detentions and Control Orders

They let authorities arrest and detain individuals indefinitely without charge, based on secret withheld evidence. Obama made if official policy in America. Yet under US, Israeli and international law, it's illegal, deplorable, and an affront to democratic principles.

Under Israel's Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty, it's flagrantly illegal, violating the law's limitation clause - "namely, it is not consistent with the values of the State of Israel, and does not make use of the principle of proportionality."

Moreover, it's justified on alleged or concocted evidence, previous activities or motives. Yet due process is denied because no proof is needed. In other words, administrative detentions are police state measures used to imprison individuals without evidence or legal justification.

(2) Secret Evidence

CL institutionalizes widespread, routine use against any designated individuals or groups, without minimal discovery requirements to assure due process, and without considering alternate ways to prevent civil and human rights violations.

It's kangaroo court despotism at its worst, abolishing due process and ability of anyone to contest false charges. "There is no more serious injury to due process than to deny a suspect the opportunity to confront his accusers and to respond to the charges leveled against him."

Using likely fabricated charges based on secret evidence, justice is impossible. Abuse of power, gross discrimination, and political targeting assure innocent people will be unjustly punished.

(3) Vague, Overly Broad Definitions of Terrorism, Terrorist Organizations, and Members of Such Groups

CL ill-defines the terms "terrorist act," "terrorist organization," and "member of a terrorist group," effectively declaring those charged guilty by accusation, no evidence needed. That's despotism.

For example, under Article 2, "a member of a terrorist group" includes anyone who allegedly intends to become a member, without evidence to prove it.

Moreover, suspects bear the burden of proof they can't contest without knowledge of alleged evidence against them. Criminalizing individuals indiscriminately is political persecution against which they have no defense.

In addition, charges based on alleged intentions to join a terrorist group may either be false or misjudged verbally stated views. For example, opposing state policies constitutes free thought, opinion or expression, not malice aforethought to commit crimes.

(4) Legalizing Draconian Practices

Under temporary security order authority, suspects may be detained up to 96 hours for interrogations without judicial permission, based on the notion that interrupting questioning may compromise or undermine investigations.

Under current law, security suspects may be denied access to counsel up to 21 days, an intolerable practice but it exists. Removing judicial oversight means they can undergo lengthy draconian interrogations with no protections whatever against torture and other forms of abuse.

As a result, false confessions may be obtained to convict innocent people, what Palestinians commonly face, they, too, judged guilty by accusation, even children for alleged stone-throwing. They're imprisoned for it unjustly even if entirely innocent. And if guilty, they deserve no more than reprimands.

(5) Violating Free Expression

For example, Article 27 imposes three year prison terms for anyone "whose actions express solidarity or identification with (an alleged) terrorist group, including through publication of praise, support or sympathy for a terrorist group, waving its flag, display or publication of one of its symbols, or displaying, playing, or publicizing one of its slogans or anthems, if such an expression is made in public."

In other words, freely expressed views become crimes, even alleged support for wrongly designated terrorist groups.

(6) Re-Writing Criminal Law

CL establishes new rules contradicting fundamental criminal law principles. For example, Article 47 permits hearsay exceptions, letting a suspect's alleged statement(s) be submitted as evidence, even if he or she isn't present in court because they reside outside Israel or aren't available for other reasons.

Although CL prohibits convictions this way, it permits hearsay used as corroborating evidence. Note also that most Israeli security cases rely largely on confessions extracted under torture, making them illegitimate in due process proceedings. But not in Israel where it's common practice against Palestinians. CL will allow it against Jews.

In addition, it equates alleged intent with actually committing a crime, imposing the same liability on both in violation of accepted criminal law tenets.

CL's provisions thus "turn law-abiding citizens and organizations (with no connections whatsoever to violent acts) into 'terrorists' " because Israel says so. It also authorizes unchecked, draconian executive powers, based on alleged suspicions, not hard evidence, leaving suspects unable to defend themselves.

As a result, CL effectively annuls due process/judicial fairness protections, leaving everyone potentially vulnerable to police state justice, that, of course, means none whatsoever.

Israel's extremist right-wing Knesset very likely will pass what no legitimate democracy would tolerate. In Israel and America, it's common practice, filling prison cells with innocent victims unjustly.

Against Muslims, Blacks and Latinos in America, as well as Palestinians in Israel, it goes unnoticed. When everyone in both countries is vulnerable, perhaps public awareness will take note and act. The alternative is too dire to imagine, but it's coming unless public outrage prevents it.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Protests against the Al-Quds-Day in Berlin (Germany)

With various actions an antifascist alliance from Berlin has informed about the Al-Quds-Day and protested against it. Besides events for information and mobilisation there were an antifascist demonstrtation and an info brochure.

Libya: NATO's Latest Charnal House

Libya: NATO's Latest Charnel House - by Stephen Lendman

When NATO intervenes, massacres, mass destruction, and indescribable human misery follow. Libya is its latest trophy.

Judge for yourself. View another snapshot of the "new Libya:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=9A9TsImz9Ys

Once Africa's most developed country, it's now a horrific charnal house. No one knows the true toll or ever will, but minimally it includes tens of thousands dead, multiples more injured, vast destruction across large parts of the country, terrified millions not knowing what's next, imperial occupation, plunder of Libya's resources, and continued conflict and violence like Afghanistan and Iraq.

As a result, expect Libya to boil for years, and why not with recruited rebel gangs enlisted to reign terror. Many are members of the Al Qaeda linked Libya Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG), terrorists opposed to Gaddafi since the mid-1990s.

On December 8, 2004, the US Treasury Department designated LIFG a Foreign Terrorist Organization, saying it:

"threatens global safety and stability through the use of violence and its ideological alliance with (Al Qaeda) and other brutal terrorists organizations."

Directed on the ground by US, UK, Qatari, and Jordanian special forces, insurgents also include untrained Libyans and civilians from regional countries, as well as recruited members of Gaddafi's military.

Appointed top military commander last March, Khalifa Hifter is in charge, a man who spent two decades in suburban Virginia, about 20 miles from CIA headquarters. In fact, since the 1980s, he's been an anti-Gaddafi CIA asset.

Now he's directing paramilitary killers terrorizing areas they control, exposing Washington's contempt for human life and welfare everywhere, including at home.

On August 29, USAAfricaonline.com headlined: "KILLINGS: Libya rebels said to be murdering Black Aftican migrant workers," saying:

African Union (AU) chairman Jean Ping said "Libyan rebels may be indiscriminately killing black people," believing migrant guest workers are pro-Gaddafi mercenaries.

On August 29, allwestafrica.com described a Libyan "bloodbath," affecting Black Africans found murdered with their hands tied behind their backs.

Earlier images showed beatings, summary executions, lynchings, beheadings, desecrated corpses, and at least one instance of a Gaddafi loyalist suspended upside-down soaked in blood. Alongside him stood a rebel fighter with a long knife alternatively hacking and sawing on his neck.

As a result, tens of thousands of innocent civilians now face possible revenge killings, summary executions and mass slaughter either for seeking work in the wrong country at the wrong time or being a Gaddafi loyalist.

On August 30, Amnesty International (AI) headlined, "Libya: Fears for Detainees Held by Anti-Gaddafi Forces," saying:

Black Africans are especially at risk. AI representatives "witness(ed their) being targeted in Tripoli on Monday."

"Within an hour, (AI saw) one man being hit and (another) dragged out of his hospital bed to an unknown fate. We have to fear for what may be happening to detainees out of the sight of independent observers."

On August 29, Canada's Globe and Mail writer Graeme Smith headlined, "Atrocities raise concerns about Libyan rebels' ability to control country," saying:

A Gaddafi soldier tried to surrender and was shot in a hail of bullets. In Tripoli alone, mass graves were discovered, "and reporters noticed many more bodies lying beside the road."

Every new report about rebel atrocities "adds to concerns about whether they can keep control of the country. (They) also cause concern among foreign supporters," especially because NATO recruited, funded, armed, and continues to direct them.

According to University of Ottawa Professor Stuart Hendin, "Individuals within the NATO command structure could be exposed to allegations of aiding and abetting."

In fact, of course, NATO orchestrated what's ongoing, with US, UK and other special forces directing it.

On August 31, Mathaba headlined, "Rebel atrocities and ability to control Libya," saying:

"Mass graves, racist atrocities, (and) prisoner abuse(s) (have been discovered) in rebel controlled areas."

"More than 30,000 Libyan civilians have been massacred in the first week of the NATO-supported ground invasion, led by Al-Qaida and European special forces working side by side."

France 24 correspondent Matthieu Mabin wrote:

"We are undoubtedly entering the saddest phase of the conflict, and it is likely that the (National Transitional Council) and the rebels will have to account for their abuses. We have reached a degree of cleansing that appears to be totally out of control...."

AI's Diana Eltahawy said captured Gaddafi loyalists face torture, other forms of abuse, and summary executions.

In July, Big Peace writer John Rosenthal said:

"There is extensive and virtually incontrovertible evidence of horrific atrocities committed by rebel forces," including unaired Western media graphic images of "grotesquely inhumane and demeaning treatment of prisoners."

After insurgents entered Tripoli, it got worse. AP reported "streets where rebel fighters bombarded snipers loyal to (Gaddafi were) strewn with bullet-ridden corpses from both sides Thursday. Streams of blood ran down the gutters and turned sewers red."

In areas under rebel control, death, destruction, mass looting, lack of public services, and terrorized civilians are the order of the day.

More of the same is likely ahead, but don't expect Western media to explain or even stay on the Libya story once the "euphoria" of NATO triumphalism subsides.

Of concern are recent polls showing Gaddafi enjoyed overwhelming support. As a result, most Libyans remain vulnerable to revenge killings or other abuses.

Western Media Complicit in Inciting Genocide

Throughout months of conflict, Western media, especially America's, cheerled what they should have condemned. As a result, international law holds them culpable for "direct" and "public" incitement to commit Genocide.

A previous article explained, accessed through the following link:

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/08/natos-genocidal-rape-of-libya.html

After rebels entered Tripoli guns blazing, a reprehensible August 22 Washington Post editorial headlined, "US action helped cause of freedom in Libya," saying:

"The initial euphoria in Tripoli and Benghazi represents the beginning of a new chapter for Libya....(Ahead), look at the benefits if Libya begins to move toward democracy. (It) means young Libyans may be able to envision a healthy future for themselves instead of joining terrorist groups out of frustration and anger."

The piece praised Obama for making it possible. In fact, he's a multiply unindicted war criminal for waging six wars and numerous proxy ones.

One day, his legacy will highlight his culpability for unconscionable crimes of war and against humanity, not least of which includes using thousands of US Special Forces death squads in at least 75 countries.

As part of a global killing machine, they're unaccountable lawless assassins, murdering thousands where they're deployed with impunity. Some are in Libya directing insurgents for the same purpose.

Expect them to remain to keep reigning terror ahead. That's the new reality on the ground, not one Obama called free "in the hands of the Libyan people."

Fact checking the Post editorial

Expecting full disclosure truth from any Western media source is self-delusion at best, clueless acceptable of what should be condemned at worst.

In fact, Washington-led NATO lawlessly attacked a nonbelligerent country, turning it into a hellish inferno - a dystopian charnel house.

Obama, Cameron, Sarkozy and other NATO partners are war criminals.

Their contempt for rule of law principles, democracy, and human rights is palpable.

They plan colonizing, occupying, exploiting, and carving up the Libya corpse for profit.

Pre-NATO Libya no longer exists.

In its place stands a cauldron of violence, desolation, depravation, despair, fear, and hatred for Western enemies of Libyan freedom.

Ahead, expect protracted conflict, internal strife, resistance to foreign occupiers, and violence as a way of life instead of peace and personal welfare.

Moreover, gone are Gaddafi-provided free education to the highest level (including abroad), first world healthcare, housing assistance, and other social services to be privatized and sold at high prices to Libyans able to afford them.

In an August 30 Minneapolis speech to the American Legion, Obama praised "our brave forces who helped the Libyan people finally break free from the grip of (Gaddafi)."

On August 22, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen claimed "they have a chance for a new beginning," adding:

"Now is the time to create a new Libya - a state based on freedom, not fear; democracy, not dictatorship; the will of the many, not the whims of a few."

No matter that 85% of Libyans support the "old" Libya under Gaddafi and want him retained.

Moreover, they revile NATO partners and rebel killers with good reason. They plan continued terror under occupation, plundering Libya's resources, exploiting its people, and militarizing the country for enforcement.

Like Iraqis, Afghans, Pakistanis and others, Libyans know Washington and NATO plan dominance, persecution and exploitation, not liberation, equal rights, and efforts to promote human welfare, notions they find abhorrent.

As a result, hopefully, they'll resist heroically to be free from what no one should tolerate.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.